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Abstract:

Apparatus for use with substantially thermally sealed storage containers
are described herein. These include an apparatus comprising a stored
material module, a stabilizer unit, a stored material module cap and a
central stabilizer unit. The apparatus also include a transportation
stabilizer unit with dimensions corresponding to a substantially
thermally sealed storage container with a flexible conduit.

Claims:

1. An apparatus, comprising: a stored material module including a
plurality of storage units configured for storage of one or more
medicinal units, the stored material module including a surface
configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a storage structure
within a substantially thermally sealed storage container and including a
surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a stabilizer
unit; a storage stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with the
surface of the stored material module; a stored material module cap
configured to reversibly mate with a surface of at least one of the
plurality of storage units within the stored material module and
configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the at least one storage
stabilizer unit; and a central stabilizer unit configured to reversibly
mate with a surface of the stored material module cap, wherein the
central stabilizer unit is of a size and shape to substantially fill a
conduit in the substantially thermally sealed storage container.

2. (canceled)

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of storage
units are configured to store medicinal vials.

4. (canceled)

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of storage
units are configured to store prefilled medicinal syringes.

6-7. (canceled)

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage units
comprise: a side wall; at least one tab on at least one edge of the side
wall; and at least one indentation on at least one opposing edge of the
side wall, wherein the at least one tab on each of the storage units is
reversibly mated with the at least one indentation on an adjacent storage
unit.

9. (canceled)

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage units are
arranged in a vertical stack within the stored material module.

11-13. (canceled)

14. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a stored material module base
operably attached to the stored material module at an end of the stored
material module distal to the stored material module cap; and one or more
apertures with edges configured to reversibly mate with an external
surface of the at least one stabilizer unit.

15. (canceled)

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage stabilizer unit
comprises: at least two tubes of different internal diameters, the tubes
positioned one inside the other, the tubes sized to slide relative to
each other; and an aperture along a partial length of each of the tubes,
wherein the apertures form a conduit when the tubes are in a specific
position relative to each other, the conduit substantially perpendicular
to the axis of the tubes.

17. (canceled)

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage stabilizer unit
comprises: an inner tube and at least one exterior tube of different
internal diameters, the tubes positioned as at least one interior and at
least one exterior tube relative to each other, the tubes sized to slide
relative to each other; an aperture along a partial length of the inner
tube and each of the at least one exterior tube, wherein the apertures
form a conduit when the tubes are in a specific position relative to each
other, the conduit substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tubes;
and retaining units fixed to an internal surface of the inner tube at a
region adjacent to the aperture in the inner tube, the retaining units
including ends projecting through the apertures in each of the tubes.

19-22. (canceled)

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage stabilizer unit
comprises: an exterior frame of a size and shape to substantially
surround the stored material module, a surface of the exterior frame
substantially conforming to a surface of the stored material module; a
plurality of apertures in the exterior frame; one or more protrusions
from the surface of the exterior frame at an edge facing the stored
material module, the one or more protrusions corresponding to edge
surfaces of apertures within a stored material module base.

24. (canceled)

25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stored material module cap
comprises: a connection region, including a base and a rim, with a
surface of the connection region configured to reversibly mate with a
surface of the central stabilizer unit.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stored material module cap
comprises: a connection region, including an aperture; and a circuitry
connector within the aperture, the circuitry connector configured to
reversibly mate with a corresponding circuitry connector on a surface of
the central stabilizer unit.

27. (canceled)

28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stored material module cap
comprises: a first substantially hollow tube with one end fixed to a
surface of the stored material module cap; a second substantially hollow
tube with a smaller diameter than the first tube, the second tube
positioned within the first tube with an exterior surface adjacent to an
interior surface of the first tube, the surfaces configured to allow the
second tube to slide within the first tube; at least one aperture in the
first tube and at least one aperture in the second tube, the apertures
positioned to form a conduit when the tubes are in a specific position
relative to each other; a shaft configured to move in response to
pressure from a surface of the central stabilizer unit; a force
transmission unit configured to transfer force from movement of the shaft
to a rod; an end of the rod of a size and shape to substantially fill the
conduit formed from the at least one aperture in the first tube and the
at least one aperture in the second tube when the tubes are in the
specific position relative to each other.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stored material module cap
comprises: a first substantially hollow tube with one end fixed to a
surface of the stored material module cap; a second substantially hollow
tube with a smaller diameter than the first tube, the second tube
positioned within the first tube with an exterior surface adjacent to the
interior surface of the first tube, the surfaces configured to allow the
second tube to slide within the first tube; at least one aperture in the
stored material module cap configured to accommodate one or more wires
joining circuitry within the second tube to circuitry located exterior to
the second tube.

30. (canceled)

31. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central stabilizer unit
comprises: a fastener positioned to reversibly attach the central
stabilizer unit to the stored material module cap; and a mechanical
release operably attached to the fastener, the release positioned for
access from an exterior surface of the central stabilizer unit.

32-34. (canceled)

35. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: one or more sensors positioned
within the storage stabilizer unit.

36. (canceled)

37. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a lid attached to an end of the
central stabilizer unit at a site distal to the stored material module
cap; a handle attached to the lid on a surface distal to the end of the
central stabilizer unit; a display unit operably attached to the lid; at
least one global positioning device operably attached to the lid; and an
electronic system operably attached to the lid.

38. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a lid attached to an end of the
central stabilizer unit at a site distal to the stored material module
cap; a handle attached to the lid on a surface distal to the end of the
central stabilizer unit; a display unit integral to the lid; an
electronic system operably attached to the lid; and a user input device
operably attached to the electronic system.

39. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a lid attached to an end of the
central stabilizer unit, the lid of a size and shape conforming with an
outer surface of the substantially thermally sealed storage container in
a region adjacent to an exterior end of the conduit; a handle attached to
the lid on a surface distal to the end of the central stabilizer unit; an
electromechanical switch operably attached to the lid, the
electromechanical switch positioned on a surface of the lid adjacent to
the outer surface of the substantially thermally sealed storage container
in the region adjacent to the exterior end of the conduit; an electronic
system operably attached to the electromechanical switch; and an
indicator operably attached to the lid.

40. (canceled)

41. A substantially thermally sealed storage container, comprising: an
outer assembly, including: an outer wall substantially defining a
substantially thermally sealed storage container, the outer wall
substantially defining a single outer wall aperture; an inner wall
substantially defining a substantially thermally sealed storage region,
the inner wall substantially defining a single inner wall aperture; the
inner wall and the outer wall separated by a distance and substantially
defining a gap; at least one section of ultra efficient insulation
material disposed within the gap; a connector forming a conduit
connecting the single outer wall aperture with the single inner wall
aperture; and a single access aperture to the substantially thermally
sealed storage region, wherein the single access aperture is defined by
an end of the connector; and an inner assembly within the substantially
thermally sealed storage region, including: a storage structure
configured for receiving and storing a plurality of modules, wherein the
plurality of modules includes both at least one heat sink module and at
least one stored material module; a stored material module including a
plurality of storage units, the stored material module including a
surface configured to reversibly mate with the storage structure within a
substantially thermally sealed storage container; at least one storage
stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the
stored material module; a stored material module cap configured to
reversibly mate with at least one of the plurality of storage units
within the stored material module and configured to reversibly mate with
the at least one stabilizer unit; and a central stabilizer unit operably
connected to the stored material module cap, wherein the central
stabilizer unit is positioned to substantially fill the conduit.

46. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the storage structure is affixed to an interior of the
substantially thermally sealed storage region in a position substantially
parallel to a diameter of the conduit.

47. (canceled)

48. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein each of the plurality of storage units within the stored material
module are configured to store medicinal vials.

49. (canceled)

50. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein each of the plurality of storage units within the stored material
module are configured to store one or more prefilled medicinal syringes.

51. (canceled)

52. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the plurality of storage units comprise: at least one tab on at
least one edge of the storage units; and at least one indentation on at
least one opposing edge of the storage units, wherein the at least one
tab on each of the storage units is reversibly mated with the at least
one indentation on an adjacent storage unit.

53. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the plurality of storage units comprise: at least one indentation
configured to reversibly mate with an exterior surface of the at least
one stabilizer unit.

54. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the plurality of storage units are arranged in a vertical stack
within the stored material module.

55-57. (canceled)

58. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
comprising: a stored material module base operably attached to the stored
material module at an end of the stored material module distal to the
stored material module cap, wherein the stored material base includes one
or more apertures with edges configured to reversibly mate with an
external surface of the storage stabilizer unit.

59. (canceled)

60. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the at least one stabilizer unit comprises: at least two tubes of
different internal diameters, the tubes positioned one inside the other,
the tubes sized and positioned for their surfaces to slide relative to
each other, and including an aperture along a partial length of each of
the tubes, wherein the apertures form a conduit when the tubes are in a
specific position relative to each other.

61. (canceled)

62. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the at least one stabilizer unit comprises: at least two tubes of
different internal diameters, the tubes positioned as at least one
interior tube and at least one exterior tube relative to each other, the
tubes sized and positioned for their surfaces to slide relative to each
other; an aperture along a partial length of each of the tubes, wherein
the apertures form a conduit when the tubes are in a specific position
relative to each other; and one or more retaining units fixed to an
internal surface of the at least one inner tube at a region adjacent to
the aperture in the inner tube, the retaining units including ends
projecting through the apertures in each of the tubes.

63-65. (canceled)

66. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the storage stabilizer unit comprises: an exterior frame of a
size and shape to substantially surround the stored material module, an
inner surface of the exterior frame substantially conforming to an outer
surface of the stored material module; a plurality of apertures in the
exterior frame; one or more protrusions from a surface of the exterior
frame at a surface facing the stored material module, the protrusions
corresponding to one or more edge surfaces of an aperture within a stored
material unit.

67. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the stored material module cap comprises: at least one aperture
with a surface configured to reversibly mate with the surface of a tab of
a stored material unit.

68. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the stored material module cap comprises: a connection region,
including a base and a rim, the surface of the connection region
configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the central stabilizer
unit.

69. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the stored material module cap comprises: a connection region,
including an aperture; and a circuitry connector within the aperture, the
circuitry connector configured to reversibly mate with a corresponding
circuitry connector on a surface of the central stabilizer unit.

71. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the stored material module cap comprises: a first substantially
hollow tube with one end fixed to a surface of the stored material module
cap; a second substantially hollow tube with a smaller diameter than the
first tube, the second tube positioned within the first tube with an
exterior surface adjacent to an interior surface of the first tube, the
surfaces configured to allow the second tube to slide within the first
tube; at least one aperture in the first tube and at least one aperture
in the second tube, the apertures positioned to form a conduit when the
tubes are in a specific position relative to each other; a shaft
configured to move in response to pressure from a surface of the central
stabilizer unit; a force transmission unit configured to transfer force
from movement of the shaft to a rod; an end of the rod of a size and
shape to substantially fill the conduit formed from the at least one
aperture in the first tube and the at least one aperture in the second
tube when the tubes are in the specific position relative to each other.

72. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the stored material module cap comprises: a first substantially
hollow tube with one end fixed to a surface of the stored material module
cap; a second substantially hollow tube with a smaller diameter than the
first tube, the second tube positioned within the first tube with an
exterior surface adjacent to an interior surface of the first tube, the
surfaces configured to allow the second tube to slide within the first
tube; at least one aperture in the stored material module cap configured
to accommodate wires joining circuitry within the second tube to
circuitry located exterior to the second tube.

73. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the central stabilizer unit comprises: a base including at least
one surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored
material module cap.

74. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
wherein the central stabilizer unit comprises: a fastener positioned to
reversibly attach the central stabilizer unit to the stored material
module cap; and a mechanical release operably attached to the fastener,
the release positioned for access from an exterior surface of the central
stabilizer unit.

75-78. (canceled)

79. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
comprising: a lid attached to an end of the central stabilizer unit, the
lid of a size and shape conforming with an outer surface of the
substantially thermally sealed storage container in a region adjacent to
an exterior end of the conduit.

80. (canceled)

81. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
comprising: a lid attached to an end of the central stabilizer unit at a
site distal to the stored material module cap; a handle attached to the
lid on a surface distal to the end of the central stabilizer unit; a
display unit integral to the lid; an electronic system operably attached
to the lid; and a user input device operably attached to the electronic
system.

82. (canceled)

83. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 41,
comprising: a lid attached to an end of the central stabilizer unit, the
lid of a size and shape conforming with an outer surface of the
substantially thermally sealed storage container in a region adjacent to
an exterior end of the conduit; an electromechanical switch operably
attached to the lid, the electromechanical switch positioned on the
surface of the lid adjacent to the outer surface of the substantially
thermally sealed storage container in the region adjacent to the exterior
end of the conduit; an electronic system operably attached to the
electromechanical switch; and an indicator operably attached to the lid.

84. A transportation stabilizer unit with dimensions corresponding to a
substantially thermally sealed storage container with a flexible
connector, comprising: a lid of a size and shape configured to
substantially cover an external opening in an outer wall of a
substantially thermally sealed storage container including a flexible
connector, the lid including a surface configured to reversibly mate with
an external surface of the substantially thermally sealed storage
container adjacent to the external opening in the outer wall; a central
aperture in the lid; a reversible fastening unit adjacent to the central
aperture in the lid, the reversible fastening unit positioned to fasten a
shaft within the central aperture in the lid; a wall substantially
defining a tubular structure with a diameter in cross-section less than a
minimal diameter of the flexible connector of the substantially thermally
sealed storage container, an end of the tubular structure operably
attached to the lid; an aperture in the wall, wherein the aperture
includes an edge at a position on the tubular structure less than a
maximum length of the flexible connector from the end of the tubular
structure operably attached to the lid; a positioning shaft with a
diameter in cross-section less than a diameter in cross-section of the
central aperture in the lid, the positioning shaft of a length greater
than the thickness of the lid in combination with the length of the wall
between the surface of the lid and the edge of the aperture in the wall;
an interior surface of the wall, the interior surface substantially
defining an interior region; a pivot unit operably attached to a terminal
region of the positioning shaft and positioned within the interior
region; a support unit operably attached to the pivot unit, the support
unit of a size and shape to fit within the interior region when the pivot
unit is rotated in one direction, and to protrude through the aperture in
the wall when the pivot unit is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the
other direction; an end region of a size and shape configured to
reversibly mate with the interior surface of an aperture in a storage
structure within the substantially thermally sealed storage container; a
base grip at the terminal end of the end region; and a tensioning unit
for the base grip, configured to maintain pressure on the base grip
against an interior wall of the substantially thermally sealed storage
container in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of
the lid.

85. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 84, wherein the lid
comprises: at least one aperture configured for a fastener to reversibly
attach the lid to the outer wall of the substantially thermally sealed
storage container.

86. (canceled)

87. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 84, wherein the pivot
unit is configured to allow movement of the support unit approximately 90
degrees along a single axis.

88. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 84, wherein the
positioning shaft is positioned within the aperture in the lid.

89. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 84, wherein the
reversible fastening unit attaches to the positioning shaft with
sufficient tension to maintain the flexible connector in a compressed
position.

90. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 84, wherein the base grip
comprises: a surface with a coefficient of friction greater than one with
the surface of the interior wall at temperatures between approximately 2
degrees and 8 degrees Centigrade.

91-92. (canceled)

93. An apparatus, comprising: a substantially thermally sealed storage
container with a flexible connector; and a stabilizer unit with
dimensions corresponding to the substantially thermally sealed storage
container, the stabilizer unit including: a lid of a size and shape
configured to substantially cover an external opening in an outer wall of
the substantially thermally sealed storage container, the lid including a
surface configured to reversibly mate with an external surface of the
outer wall adjacent to the external opening; a central aperture in the
lid; a wall substantially defining a tubular structure with a diameter in
cross-section less than a minimal diameter of the flexible connector of
the substantially thermally sealed storage container, an end of the
tubular structure operably attached to the lid; an aperture in the wall,
wherein the aperture includes an edge at a position on the tubular
structure less than a maximum length of the flexible connector from the
end of the tubular structure operably attached to the lid; a positioning
shaft with a diameter in cross-section less than a diameter in
cross-section of the central aperture in the lid, the positioning shaft
of a length greater than a thickness of the lid in combination with a
length of the wall between the surface of the lid and an edge of the
aperture in the wall; a reversible fastening unit operably attached to
the lid in a region adjacent to the aperture in the lid and positioned to
operably attach to the positioning shaft; an interior surface of the
wall, the interior surface substantially defining an interior region; a
pivot unit operably attached to a terminal region of the positioning
shaft and positioned within the interior region; a support unit operably
attached to the pivot unit, the support unit of a size and shape to fit
within the interior region when the pivot unit is rotated in one
direction, and to protrude through the aperture in the wall when the
pivot unit is rotated in the other direction; an end region of a size and
shape configured to reversibly mate with an interior surface of an
aperture in a storage structure within the substantially thermally sealed
storage container; a base grip at a terminal end of the end region,
including a surface with a coefficient of friction greater than one with
a surface of an interior wall of the container at temperatures between 2
degrees and 8 degrees Centigrade; a tensioning unit for the base grip,
configured to maintain pressure on the base grip against the interior
wall of the container in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
surface of the lid.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the
earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed
application(s) (the "Related Applications") (e.g., claims earliest
available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications
or claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent
applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,
etc. applications of the Related Application(s)). All subject matter of
the Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent,
great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications,
including any priority claims, is incorporated herein by reference to the
extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

Related Applications

[0002] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/001,757, entitled TEMPERATURE-STABILIZED STORAGE CONTAINERS,
naming Roderick A. Hyde; Edward K. Y. Jung; Nathan P. Myhrvold; Clarence
T. Tegreene; William H. Gates, III; Charles Whitmer; and Lowell L. Wood,
Jr. as inventors, filed Dec. 11, 2007, which is currently co-pending, or
is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.

[0003] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/006,088, entitled TEMPERATURE-STABILIZED STORAGE CONTAINERS
WITH DIRECTED ACCESS, naming Roderick A. Hyde; Edward K. Y. Jung; Nathan
P. Myhrvold; Clarence T. Tegreene; William H. Gates, III; Charles
Whitmer; and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed Dec. 27, 2007, which
is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0004] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/006,089, entitled TEMPERATURE-STABILIZED STORAGE SYSTEMS,
naming Roderick A. Hyde; Edward K. Y. Jung; Nathan P. Myhrvold; Clarence
T. Tegreene; William H. Gates, III; Charles Whitmer; and Lowell L. Wood,
Jr. as inventors, filed Dec. 27, 2007, which is currently co-pending, or
is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.

[0005] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/008,695, entitled TEMPERATURE-STABILIZED STORAGE CONTAINERS
FOR MEDICINALS, naming Roderick A. Hyde; Edward K. Y. Jung; Nathan P.
Myhrvold; Clarence T. Tegreene; William H. Gates, III; Charles Whitmer;
and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed Jan. 10, 2008, which is
currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0006] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/012,490, entitled METHODS OF MANUFACTURING
TEMPERATURE-STABILIZED STORAGE CONTAINERS, naming Roderick A. Hyde;
Edward K. Y. Jung; Nathan P. Myhrvold; Clarence T. Tegreene; William H.
Gates, III; Charles Whitmer; and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed
Jan. 31, 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of
which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of
the filing date.

[0007] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/077,322, entitled TEMPERATURE-STABILIZED MEDICINAL STORAGE
SYSTEMS, naming Roderick A. Hyde; Edward K. Y. Jung; Nathan P. Myhrvold;
Clarence T. Tegreene; William Gates; Charles Whitmer; and Lowell L. Wood,
Jr. as inventors, filed Mar. 17, 2008, which is currently co-pending, or
is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.

[0010] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/220,439, entitled MULTI-LAYER INSULATION COMPOSITE MATERIAL
HAVING AT LEAST ONE THERMALLY-REFLECTIVE LAYER WITH THROUGH OPENINGS,
STORAGE CONTAINER USING SAME, AND RELATED METHODS, naming Roderick A.
Hyde; Muriel Y. Ishikawa; Jordin T. Kare; and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as
inventors, filed Jul. 23, 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to
the benefit of the filing date.

[0014] The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to
the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent
applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an
application is a continuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional of a
parent application. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application,
USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003. The present. Applicant Entity
(hereinafter "Applicant") has provided above a specific reference to the
application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited by
statute. Applicant understands that the statute is unambiguous in its
specific reference language and does not require either a serial number
or any characterization, such as "continuation" or
"continuation-in-part," for claiming priority to U.S. patent
applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands that
the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and
hence Applicant has provided designation(s) of a relationship between the
present application and its parent application(s) as set forth above, but
expressly points out that such designation(s) are not to be construed in
any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not
the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter
of its parent application(s).

SUMMARY

[0015] Described herein is an apparatus for use with a substantially
thermally sealed storage container, the apparatus including: a stored
material module including a plurality of storage units configured for
storage of medicinal units, the stored material module including a
surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a storage
structure within a substantially thermally sealed storage container and
including a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a
stabilizer unit; a stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with the
surface of the stored material module; a stored material module cap
configured to reversibly mate with a surface of at least one of the
plurality of storage units within the stored material module and
configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the at least one
stabilizer unit; and a central stabilizer unit configured to reversibly
mate with a surface of the stored material module cap, wherein the
central stabilizer unit is of a size and shape to substantially fill a
conduit in the substantially thermally sealed storage container.

[0016] Also described herein is transportation stabilizer unit with
dimensions corresponding to a substantially thermally sealed storage
container with a flexible conduit, the transportation stabilizer unit
including: a lid of a size and shape configured to substantially cover an
external opening in an outer wall of a substantially thermally sealed
storage container including a flexible conduit, the lid including a
surface configured to reversibly mate with an external surface of the
substantially thermally sealed storage container adjacent to the external
opening in the outer wall; an aperture in the lid; a wall substantially
defining a tubular structure with a diameter in cross-section less than a
minimal diameter of the flexible conduit of the substantially thermally
sealed storage container, an end of the tubular structure operably
attached to the lid; an aperture in the wall, wherein the aperture
includes an edge at a position on the tubular structure less than a
maximum length of the flexible conduit from the end of the tubular
structure operably attached to the lid; a positioning shaft with a
diameter in cross-section less than a diameter in cross-section of the
central aperture in the lid, the positioning shaft of a length greater
than the thickness of the lid in combination with the length of the wall
between the surface of the lid and the edge of the aperture in the wall;
an interior surface of the wall, the interior surface substantially
defining a substantially thermally sealed region; a pivot unit operably
attached to a terminal region of the positioning shaft and positioned
within the substantially thermally sealed region; a support unit operably
attached to the pivot unit, the support unit of a size and shape to fit
within the substantially thermally sealed region when the pivot unit is
rotated in one direction, and to protrude through the aperture in the
wall when the pivot unit is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the other
direction; an end region of a size and shape configured to reversibly
mate with the interior surface of an indentation in a storage structure
within the substantially thermally sealed storage container; a base grip
at the terminal end of the end region; and a tensioning unit for the base
grip, configured to maintain pressure on the base grip against an
interior wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface
of the lid.

[0017] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to
be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects,
embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments,
and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.

[0020]FIG. 3 depicts aspects of a storage structure and interchangeable
modular units for use within a substantially thermally sealed storage
container.

[0021]FIG. 4 illustrates, in cross-section, aspects of a storage
structure and interchangeable modular units for use within a
substantially thermally sealed storage container.

[0022]FIG. 5 depicts a stored material module and a central stabilizer
configured for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage
container.

[0023]FIG. 6 illustrates a stored material module and central stabilizer
as depicted in FIG. 5, with two of the storage units positioned to allow
access to the interior of a third storage unit within the stored material
module.

[0024]FIG. 7 shows a stored material module and a central stabilizer
configured for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage
container.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a stored material module and central stabilizer
as depicted in FIG. 7, with two of the storage units positioned to allow
access to the interior of a third storage unit within the stored material
module.

[0039]FIG. 22 illustrates, in cross-section, a stored material module, a
stored material module cap and a stabilizer unit such as those shown in
FIG. 21.

[0040]FIG. 23 depicts, in cross-section, a stored material module, a
stored material module cap and a stabilizer unit such as those
illustrated in FIG. 22, with two of the storage units positioned to allow
access to the interior of a third storage unit within the stored material
module.

[0043]FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of a central stabilizer, a stored
material module, a stored material module cap and a stabilizer unit.

[0044] FIG. 27 shows aspects of an embodiment of a central stabilizer, a
stored material module, a stored material module cap and a stabilizer
unit such as depicted in FIG. 26.

[0045]FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment of a central stabilizer, a stored
material module, a stored material module cap and a stabilizer unit, with
the central stabilizer and the stabilizer unit positioned to allow access
to a storage unit.

[0059] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar
symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates
otherwise. The use of the same symbols in different drawings typically
indicates similar or identical items. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant
to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may
be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter
presented here.

[0060] Containers and apparatus such as those described herein have a
variety of potential uses. In particular, containers and apparatus such
as those described herein are useful for stable maintenance of stored
materials within a predetermined temperature range without reliance on
external power sources to maintain the temperature range within the
storage area. For example, containers and apparatus such as those
described herein are suitable for maintenance of stored materials within
a predetermined temperature range in locations with minimal municipal
power, or unreliable municipal power sources, such as remote locations or
in emergency situations. Containers and apparatus such as those described
herein may be useful for the transport and storage of materials that are
sensitive to temperature changes that can occur during shipment and
storage. For example, the storage systems described herein are useful for
the shipment and storage of medicinal agents, including vaccines. Many
medicinal agents, including vaccines, currently in regular use are highly
sensitive to temperature variations, and must be maintained in a
temperature range to preserve potency. For example, many vaccines must be
stored within 2 degrees Centigrade and 8 degrees Centigrade to preserve
efficacy. Storage and transport of medicinal agents, including vaccines,
within a temperature range, such as within 2 degrees Centigrade and 8
degrees Centigrade, is often referred to as the "cold chain." Health care
providers and clinics who use vaccines regularly must follow established
protocols and procedures for maintenance of the cold chain, including
during transport and in times of emergency and in power failures, to
ensure vaccine potency. See: Rodgers et al., "Vaccine Cold Chain Part 1
Proper Handling and Storage of Vaccine," AAOHN Journal 58(8) 337-344
(2010); Rodgers et al., "Vaccine Cold Chain Part 2: Training Personnel
and Program Management," AAOHN Journal 8(9): 391-402 (2010); Magennis et
al., "Pharmaceutical Cold Chain" A Gap in the Last Mile," Pharmaceutical
& Medical Packaging News, 44-50 (September 2010); and Kendal et al.,
"Validation of Cold Chain Procedures Suitable for Distribution of
Vaccines by Public Health Programs in the USA," Vaccine 15 (12/13):
1459-1465 (1997) which are herein incorporated by reference. However,
failure to follow established protocols and procedures for maintenance of
the cold chain, even during periods of normal use in developed countries,
lead to significant levels of vaccine wastage due to exposure to both
excessively high and excessively low temperatures. See: Thakker and
Woods, "Storage of Vaccines in the Community: Weak Link in the Cold
Chain?" British Medical Journal 304: 756-758 (1992); Matthias et al.,
"Freezing Temperatures in the Vaccine Cold Chain: A Systematic Literature
Review," Vaccine 25: 3980-3986 (2007); Edsam et al., "Exposure of
Hepatitis B Vaccine to Freezing Temperatures During Transport to Rural
Health Centers in Mongolia," Preventative Medicine 39: 384-388 (2004);
Techathawat et al., "Exposure to Heat and Freezing in the Vaccine Cold
Chain in Thailand," Vaccine 25: 1328-1333 (2007); and Setia et al.,
"Frequency and Causes of Vaccine Wastage," Vaccine 20: 1148-1156 (2002),
which are herein incorporated by reference. Although some breaks in cold
chain maintenance, such as frozen vaccine vials and vials containing
precipitants due to improper temperature exposure may be readily
apparent, vaccines with reduced potency due to breaks in cold chain
maintenance may not be readily detectable. See: Chen et al.,
"Characterization of the Freeze Sensitivity of a Hepatitis B Vaccine,"
Human Vaccines 5(1): 26-32 (2009), which is herein incorporated by
reference. Vaccine stocks with reduced potency due to exposure to
excessively high temperatures may not be immediately identifiable and
sensitivity varies widely depending on the specific vaccine. See:
Kristensen and Chen, "Stabilization of Vaccines: Lessons Learned," Human
Vaccines 6(3): 229-230 (2010), which is herein incorporated by reference.
Issues related to the maintenance of cold chain are even more significant
in less well developed regions of the world. See: Wirkas et al., "A
Vaccine Cold Chain Freezing Study in PNG Highlights Technology Needs for
Hot Climate Countries," Vaccine 25: 691-697 (2007); and Nelson et al.,
"Hepatitis B Vaccine Freezing in the Indonesian Cold Chain: Evidence and
Solutions," Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 82(2): 99-105
(2004), which are incorporated by reference. In addition, approaches to
the cold chain that require less energy may be desirable for ongoing cost
and climate considerations. See Halldorsson and Kovacs, "The Sustainable
Agenda and Energy Efficiency: Logistics Solutions and Supply Chains in
Times of Climate Change," International Journal of Physical Distribution
& Logistics Management 40 (1/2): 5-13 (2010), which is incorporated by
reference.

[0061] With reference now to FIG. 1, shown is an example of a
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 that may serve as a
context for introducing one or more apparatuses described herein. For the
purposes of illustration in FIG. 1, the container 100 is depicted in
cross-section to view interior aspects. FIG. 1 depicts a vertically
upright, substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 including
an outer wall 105, an inner wall 110 and a connector 115. FIG. 1 depicts
the container 100 as including a connector 115 with a flexible segment
160, configured to form a flexible connector. In a given embodiment, the
connector 115 with a flexible segment 160 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is
fabricated with materials sufficient to support the mass of the inner
wall 110 and any material internal to the inner wall 110. In some
embodiments, however, a substantially thermally sealed storage container
100 may include a connector 115 without a flexible segment, or a
connector 115 with fixed segments.

[0062] Also as illustrated in FIG. 1, a substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 includes at least one substantially thermally
sealed storage region 130 with extremely low heat conductance and
extremely low heat radiation transfer between the outside environment of
the container and the area internal to the at least one substantially
thermally sealed storage region 130. A substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 is configured for extremely low heat conductance
and extremely low heat radiation transfer between the outside environment
of the substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 and the
inside of a substantially thermally sealed storage region 130. For
example, in some embodiments the heat leak between a substantially
thermally sealed storage region 130 and the exterior of the substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 is less than 1 Watt (W) when the
exterior of the container is at a temperature of approximately 40 degrees
Centigrade (C) and the substantially thermally sealed storage region is
maintained at a temperature between 0 degrees C. and 10 degrees C. For
example, in some embodiments the heat leak between a substantially
thermally sealed storage region 130 and the exterior of the substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 is less than 700 mW when the
exterior of the container is at a temperature of approximately 40 degrees
C. and the substantially thermally sealed storage region is maintained at
a temperature between 0 degrees C. and 10 degrees C. For example, in some
embodiments the heat leak between a substantially thermally sealed
storage region 130 and the exterior of the substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 is less than 600 mW when the exterior of the
container is at a temperature of approximately 40 degrees C. and the
substantially thermally sealed storage region is maintained at a
temperature between 0 degrees C. and 10 degrees C. For example, in some
embodiments the heat leak between a substantially thermally sealed
storage region 130 and the exterior of the substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 is approximately 500 mW when the exterior of the
container is at a temperature of approximately 40 degrees C. and the
substantially thermally sealed storage region is maintained at a
temperature between 0 degrees C. and 10 degrees C.

[0063] A substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may be
configured for transport and storage of material in a predetermined
temperature range within a substantially thermally sealed storage region
130 for a period of time without active cooling activity or an active
cooling unit. For example, a substantially thermally sealed storage
container 100 in an environment with an external temperature of
approximately 40 degrees C. may be configured for transport and storage
of material in a temperature range between 0 degrees C. and 10 degrees C.
within a substantially thermally sealed storage region 130 for up to
three months. For example, a substantially thermally sealed storage
container 100 in an environment with an external temperature of
approximately 40 degrees C. may be configured for transport and storage
of material in a temperature range between 0 degrees C. and 10 degrees C.
within a substantially thermally sealed storage region 130 for up to two
months. For example, a substantially thermally sealed storage container
100 in an environment with an external temperature of approximately 40
degrees C. may be configured for transport and storage of material in a
temperature range between 0 degrees C. and 10 degrees C. within a
substantially thermally sealed storage region 130 for up to one month. A
substantially thermally sealed storage region 130 includes a minimal
thermal gradient. The interior of a substantially thermally sealed
storage region 130 is essentially the same temperature, for example with
an internal thermal gradient (e.g. top to bottom or side to side) of no
more than 5 degrees Centigrade, or of no more than 3 degrees Centigrade,
or of no more than 1 degree Centigrade.

[0064] Specific thermal properties and storage capabilities of a
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may vary depending
on the embodiment. For example, the materials used in fabrication of the
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may depend on
factors including; the design of the container 100, the required
temperature range within the storage region 130, and the expected
external temperature for use of the container 100. A substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 as described herein includes a
storage structure configured for receiving and storing at least one heat
sink module and at least one stored material module. The choice of number
and type of both the heat sink module(s) and the stored material
module(s) will determine the specific thermal properties and storage
capabilities of a substantially thermally sealed storage container 100
for a given intended time for length of storage in a given temperature
range. For example, if a longer storage time in a temperature range
between 0 degrees C. and 10 degrees C. is desired, relatively more heat
sink module(s) may be included in the storage structure and relatively
fewer stored material module(s) may be included. For example, if a
shorter storage time in a temperature range between 0 degrees C. and 10
degrees C. is desired, relatively fewer heat sink module(s) may be
included in the storage structure and relatively more stored material
module(s) may be included.

[0065] The substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may be of
a portable size and shape, for example a size and shape within expected
portability estimates for an individual person. The substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 may be configured for both
transport and storage of material. The substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 may be configured of a size and shape for carrying,
lifting or movement by an individual person. For example, in some
embodiments the substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 and
any internal structure has a mass that is less than approximately 50
kilograms (kg), or less than approximately 30 kg, or less than
approximately 20 kg. For example, in some embodiments a substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 has a length and width that are
less than approximately 1 meter (m). For example, implementations of a
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may have external
dimensions on the order of 45 centimeters (cm) in diameter and 70 cm in
height. For example, in some embodiments a substantially thermally sealed
storage container includes external handles, hooks, fixtures or other
projections to assist in mobility of the container. For example, in some
embodiments a substantially thermally sealed storage container includes
external straps, bands, harnesses, or ropes to assist in transport of the
container. In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed storage
container includes external fixtures configured to secure the container
to a surface, for example flanges, brackets, struts or clamps. The
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 illustrated in FIG.
1 is roughly configured as an oblong shape, however multiple shapes are
possible depending on the embodiment. For example, a rectangular shape,
or an irregular shape, may be utilized in some embodiments, depending on
the intended use of the substantially thermally sealed storage container
100. For example, a substantially round or ball-like shape of a
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may be utilized in
some embodiments.

[0066] A substantially thermally sealed storage container, as described
herein, includes zero active cooling units during routine use. No active
cooling units are depicted in FIG. 1, for example. The term "active
cooling unit," as used herein, includes conductive and radiative cooling
mechanisms that require electricity from an external source to operate.
For example, active cooling units may include one or more of: actively
powered fans, actively pumped refrigerant systems, thermoelectric
systems, active heat pump systems, active vapor-compression refrigeration
systems and active heat exchanger systems. The external energy required
to operate such mechanisms may originate, for example, from municipal
electrical power supplies or electric batteries. A substantially
thermally sealed storage container, as described herein includes, no
active cooling units during regular use as described herein.

[0067] As depicted in FIG. 1, a substantially thermally sealed storage
container 100 includes an outer assembly, including an outer wall 105.
The outer wall 105 substantially defines the substantially thermally
sealed storage container 100, and the outer wall 105 substantially
defines a single outer wall aperture 150. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 includes an inner
wall 110. The inner wall 110 substantially defines a single inner wall
aperture 140. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 includes a gap 120 between the inner wall 110 and
the outer wall 105. The inner wall 110 and the outer wall 105 are
separated by a distance and substantially define a gap 120. The surfaces
of the inner wall 110 and the outer wall 105 to not meet or come into
thermal contact across the gap 120 when the container is in its usual
position. At least one section of ultra efficient insulation material is
included in the gap 120. Substantially evacuated space may be included in
the gap 120, with the container segments sufficiently sealed to minimize
gas leakage into the gap 120 from the region external to the container.
The container 100 includes a connector 115 forming a conduit 125
connecting the single outer wall aperture 150 with the single inner wall
aperture 140. Although the connector 115 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a
flexible connector, in some embodiments the connector 115 may be not be a
flexible connector. The container 100 includes a single access aperture
to the substantially thermally sealed storage region 130, wherein the
single access aperture is formed by an end of the connector 115. In some
embodiments, the container 100 includes an outer assembly, including one
or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially
defining at least one thermally sealed storage region, wherein the outer
assembly and the one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation
material substantially define a single access aperture to the at least
one thermally sealed storage region. As will be illustrated in the
following Figures, the container 100 includes an inner assembly within
the substantially thermally sealed storage region 130, including a
storage structure configured for receiving and storing at least one heat
sink module and at least one stored material module.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 may be configured so that the outer wall aperture
150 is located at the top of the container during use of the container.
The substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may be
configured so that an outer wall aperture 150 is at the top edge of the
outer wall 105 during routine storage or use of the container. The
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may be configured so
that an aperture in the exterior of the container connecting to the
conduit 125 is at the top edge of the container 100 during storage of the
container 100. The substantially thermally sealed storage container 100
may be configured so that an outer wall aperture 150 is at an opposing
face of the container 100 relative to a base or bottom support structure
of the container 100. Embodiments wherein the substantially thermally
sealed storage container 100 is configured so that an outer wall aperture
150 is at the top edge of the outer wall 105 during routine storage or
use of the container may be configured for minimal passive transfer of
thermal energy from the region exterior to the container. For example, a
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 configured so that
an outer wall aperture 150 is at an opposing face of the container 100 as
a base or bottom support structure of the container 100 may also be
configured so that thermal energy radiating from a floor or surface under
the container 100 does not directly radiate into the aperture in the
outer wall 105.

[0069] In some embodiments, the inner wall 110 substantially defines a
substantially thermally sealed storage region 130 within the
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100. Although the
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 depicted in FIG. 1
includes a single substantially thermally sealed storage region 130, in
some embodiments a substantially thermally sealed storage container 100
may include a plurality of substantially thermally sealed storage
regions. In some embodiments, there may be a substantially thermally
sealed storage container 100 including a plurality of storage regions
(e.g. 130) within the container. In embodiments including a plurality of
storage regions (e.g. 130) within the container, they may be associated
with a single conduit to the region exterior to the container. In
embodiments including a plurality of storage regions (e.g. 130) within
the container, they may be associated with a plurality of conduits to the
region external to the container. For example, each of the plurality of
storage regions may be associated with a single, distinct conduit. For
example, more than one storage region may be associated with a single
conduit to the region external to the substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100.

[0070] A plurality of storage regions may be, for example, of comparable
size and shape or they may be of differing sizes and shapes as
appropriate to the embodiment. Different storage regions may include, for
example, various removable inserts, at least one layer including at least
one metal on the interior surface of a storage region, or at least one
layer of nontoxic material on the interior surface, in any combination or
grouping. Although the substantially thermally sealed storage region 130
depicted in FIG. 1 is approximately cylindrical in shape, a substantially
thermally sealed storage region 130 may be of a size and shape
appropriate for a specific embodiment. For example, a substantially
thermally sealed storage region 130 may be oblong, round, rectangular,
square or of irregular shape. A substantially thermally sealed storage
region 130 may vary in total volume, depending on the embodiment and the
total dimensions of the container 100. For example, a substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 configured for portability by an
individual person may include a single substantially thermally sealed
storage region 130 with a total volume less than 30 liters (L), for
example a volume of 25 L or 20 L. For example, a substantially thermally
sealed storage container 100 configured for transport on a vehicle may
include a single substantially thermally sealed storage region 130 with a
total volume more than 30 L, for example 35 L or 40 L. A substantially
thermally sealed storage region 130 may include additional structure as
appropriate for a specific embodiment. For example, a substantially
thermally sealed storage region may include stabilizing structures,
insulation, packing material, or other additional components configured
for ease of use or stable storage of material.

[0071] In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed container 100
includes at least one layer of nontoxic material on an interior surface
of one or more substantially thermally sealed storage region 130.
Nontoxic material may include, for example, material that does not
produce residue that may be toxic to the contents of the at least one
substantially thermally sealed storage region 130, or material that does
not produce residue that may be toxic to the future users of contents of
the at least one substantially thermally sealed storage region 130.
Nontoxic material may include material that maintains the chemical
structure of the contents of the at least one substantially thermally
sealed storage region 130, for example nontoxic material may include
chemically inert or non-reactive materials. Nontoxic material may include
material that has been developed for use in, for example, medical,
pharmaceutical or food storage applications. Nontoxic material may
include material that may be cleaned or sterilized, for example material
that may be irradiated, autoclaved, or disinfected. Nontoxic material may
include material that contains one or more antibacterial, antiviral,
antimicrobial, or antipathogen agents. For example, nontoxic material may
include aldehydes, hypochlorites, oxidizing agents, phenolics, quaternary
ammonium compounds, or silver. Nontoxic material may include material
that is structurally stable in the presence of one or more cleaning or
sterilizing compounds or radiation, such as plastic that retains its
structural integrity after irradiation, or metal that does not oxidize in
the presence of one or more cleaning or sterilizing compounds. Nontoxic
material may include material that consists of multiple layers, with
layers removable for cleaning or sterilization, such as for reuse of the
at least one substantially thermally sealed storage region. Nontoxic
material may include, for example, material including metals, fabrics,
papers or plastics.

[0072] In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed container 100
includes at least one layer including at least one metal on an interior
surface of at least one thermally sealed storage region 130. For example,
the at least one metal may include gold, aluminum, copper, or silver. The
at least one metal may include at least one metal composite or alloy, for
example steel, stainless steel, metal matrix composites, gold alloy,
aluminum alloy, copper alloy, or silver alloy. In some embodiments, the
at least one metal includes metal foil, such as titanium foil, aluminum
foil, silver foil, or gold foil. A metal foil may be a component of a
composite, such as, for example, in association with polyester film, such
as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester film. The at least one
layer including at least one metal on the interior surface of at least
one storage region 130 may include at least one metal that may be
sterilizable or disinfected. For example, the at least one metal may be
sterilizable or disinfected using plasmons. For example, the at least one
metal may be sterilizable or disinfected using autoclaving, thermal
means, or chemical means. Depending on the embodiment, the at least one
layer including at least one metal on the interior surface of at least
one storage region may include at least one metal that has specific heat
transfer properties, such as a thermal radiative properties.

[0073] In some embodiments, the container 100 may be configured for
storage of one or more medicinal units within a storage region 130. For
example, some medicinal units are optimally stored within approximately 0
degrees Centigrade and approximately 10 degrees Centigrade. For example,
some medicinal units are optimally stored within approximately 2 degrees
Centigrade and approximately 8 degrees Centigrade. For example, some
medicinal units are optimally stored within approximately 5 degrees
Centigrade and approximately 15 degrees Centigrade. For example, some
medicinal units are optimally stored within approximately 0 degrees
Centigrade and approximately -10 degrees Centigrade. See: Chan and
Kristensen, "Opportunities and Challenges of Developing Thermostable
Vaccines," Expert Rev. Vaccines, 8(5), pages 547-557 (2009); Matthias et
al., "Freezing Temperatures in the Vaccine Cold Chain: A Systematic
Literature Review," Vaccine 25, pages 3980-3986 (2007); Wirkas et al., "A
Vaccines Cold Chain Freezing Study in PNG Highlights Technology Needs for
Hot Climate Countries," Vaccine 25, pages 691-697 (2007); the WHO
publication titled "Preventing Freeze Damage to Vaccines," publication
no. WHO/IVB/07.09 (2007); the WHO publication titled "Temperature
Sensitivity of Vaccines," publication no. WHO/IVB/06.10 (2006); and Setia
et al., "Frequency and Causes of Vaccine Wastage," Vaccine 20: 1148-1156
(2002), which are all herein incorporated by reference. The term
"medicinal", as used herein, includes a drug, composition, formulation,
material or compound intended for medicinal or therapeutic use. For
example, a medicinal may include drugs, vaccines, therapeutics, vitamins,
pharmaceuticals, remedies, homeopathic agents, naturopathic agents, or
treatment modalities in any form, combination or configuration. For
example, a medicinal may include vaccines, such as: a vaccine packaged as
an oral dosage compound, vaccine within a prefilled syringe, a container
or vial containing vaccine, vaccine within a unijet device, or vaccine
within an externally deliverable unit (e.g. a vaccine patch for
transdermal applications). For example, a medicinal may include treatment
modalities, such as: antibody therapies, small-molecule compounds,
anti-inflammatory agents, therapeutic drugs, vitamins, or pharmaceuticals
in any form, combination or configuration. A medicinal may be in the form
of a liquid, gel, solid, semi-solid, vapor, or gas. In some embodiments,
a medicinal may be a composite. For example, a medicinal may include a
bandage infused with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, coagulants,
neurotrophic agents, angiogenic agents, vitamins or pharmaceutical
agents.

[0074] In some embodiments, the container 100 may be configured for
storage of one or more food units within a storage region 130. For
example, a container 100 may be configured to maintain a temperature in
the range of -4 degrees C. and -10 degrees C. during storage, and may
include a storage structure configured for storage of one or more food
products, such as ice cream bars, individually packed frozen meals,
frozen meat products, frozen fruit products or frozen vegetable products.
In some embodiments, the container 100 may be configured for storage of
one or more beverage units within a storage region 130. For example, a
container 100 may be configured to maintain a temperature in the range of
2 degrees C. and 10 degrees C. during storage, and may include a storage
structure configured for storage of one or more beverage products, such
as wine, beer, fruit juices, or soft drinks.

[0075] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the substantially thermally
sealed storage container 100 includes a gap 120 between the inner wall
110 and the outer wall 105. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner wall 110 and
the outer wall 105 are separated by a distance and substantially define a
gap 120. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, there are no
irregularities or additions within the gap 120 to thermally join or
create a thermal connection between the inner wall 110 and the outer wall
105 across the gap 120 when the container is upright, or in the position
configured for normal use of the container 100. When the container 100 is
in an upright position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the inner wall 110 and
the outer wall 105 do not directly come into contact with each other.
Further, when the container 100 is in an upright position, there are no
additions, junctions, flanges, or other fixtures within the gap that
would function as a thermal connection across the gap 120 between the
inner wall 110 and the outer wall 105.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the connector 115 supports the entire
mass of the inner wall and any contents of the storage region 130. In
some embodiments, additional supporting units may be included in the gap
120 to provide additional support to the inner wall 110 in addition to
that provided by the connector 115. For example, there may be one or more
thermally non-conductive strands attached to the surface of the outer
wall 105 facing the gap 120, wherein the thermally non-conductive strands
are configured to extend around the surface of the inner wall 110 facing
the gap 120 and provide additional support or movement restraint on the
inner wall 110 and, by extension, the contents of the substantially
thermally sealed storage region 130. In some embodiments, the central
regions of the plurality of strands wrap around the inner wall 110 at
diverse angles, with the corresponding ends of each of the plurality of
strands fixed to the surface of the outer wall 105 facing the gap 120 at
multiple locations. One or more thermally non-conductive strands may be,
for example, fabricated from fiberglass strands or ropes. One or more
thermally non-conductive strands may be, for example, fabricated from
strands of a para-aramid synthetic fiber, such as Kevlar®. A plurality
of thermally non-conductive strands may be attached to the surface of the
outer wall 105 facing the gap 120 at both ends, with the center of the
strands wrapped around the surface of the inner wall 110 facing the gap
120. For example, a plurality of strands fabricated from stainless steel
ropes may be attached to the surface of the outer wall 105 facing the gap
120 at both ends, with the center of the strands wrapped around the
surface of the inner wall 110 facing the gap 120.

[0077] In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed storage
container 100 may include one or more sections of an ultra efficient
insulation material. In some embodiments, there is at least one section
of ultra efficient insulation material within a gap 120. The term "ultra
efficient insulation material," as used herein, may include one or more
type of insulation material with extremely low heat conductance and
extremely low heat radiation transfer between the surfaces of the
insulation material. The ultra efficient insulation material may include,
for example, one or more layers of thermally reflective film, high
vacuum, aerogel, low thermal conductivity bead-like units, disordered
layered crystals, low density solids, or low density foam. In some
embodiments, the ultra efficient insulation material includes one or more
low density solids such as aerogels, such as those described in, for
example: Fricke and Emmerling, Aerogels--preparation, properties,
applications, Structure and Bonding 77: 37-87 (1992); and Pekala, Organic
aerogels from the polycondensation of resorcinol with formaldehyde,
Journal of Materials Science 24: 3221-3227 (1989), which are each herein
incorporated by reference. As used herein, "low density" may include
materials with density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 0.10
g/cm3, and materials with density from about 0.005 g/cm3 to
about 0.05 g/cm3. In some embodiments, the ultra efficient
insulation material includes one or more layers of disordered layered
crystals, such as those described in, for example: Chiritescu et al.,
Ultralow thermal conductivity in disordered, layered WSe2 crystals,
Science 315: 351-353 (2007), which is herein incorporated by reference.
In some embodiments, the ultra efficient insulation material includes at
least two layers of thermal reflective film surrounded, for example, by
at least one of: high vacuum, low thermal conductivity spacer units, low
thermal conductivity bead like units, or low density foam. In some
embodiments, the ultra efficient insulation material may include at least
two layers of thermal reflective material and at least one spacer unit
between the layers of thermal reflective material. For example, the
ultra-efficient insulation material may include at least one multiple
layer insulating composite such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,805
to Smith et al., titled "Multilayer insulation composite," which is
herein incorporated by reference. For example, the ultra-efficient
insulation material may include at least one metallic sheet insulation
system, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,283 to Reed et al.,
titled "Metallic sheet insulation system," which is herein incorporated
by reference. For example, the ultra-efficient insulation material may
include at least one thermal insulation system, such as that described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,967,051 to Augustynowicz et al., titled "Thermal
insulation systems," which is herein incorporated by reference. For
example, the ultra-efficient insulation material may include at least one
rigid multilayer material for thermal insulation, such as that described
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,001,656 to Maignan et al., titled "Rigid multilayer
material for thermal insulation," which is herein incorporated by
reference. For example, the ultra-efficient insulation material may
include multilayer insulation material, or "MLI." For example, an ultra
efficient insulation material may include multilayer insulation material
such as that used in space program launch vehicles, including by NASA.
See, e.g., Daryabeigi, Thermal analysis and design optimization of
multilayer insulation for reentry aerodynamic heating, Journal of
Spacecraft and Rockets 39: 509-514 (2002), which is herein incorporated
by reference. For example, the ultra efficient insulation material may
include space with a partial gaseous pressure lower than atmospheric
pressure external to the container 100. In some embodiments, the ultra
efficient insulation material may substantially cover the inner wall 110
surface facing the gap 120. In some embodiments, the ultra efficient
insulation material may substantially cover the outer wall 105 surface
facing the gap 120.

[0078] In some embodiments, there is at least one layer of multilayer
insulation material ("MLI") within the gap 120, wherein the at least one
layer of multilayer insulation material substantially surrounds the inner
wall 110. In some embodiments, there are a plurality of layers of
multilayer insulation material within the gap 120, wherein the layers may
not be homogeneous. For example, the plurality of layers of multilayer
insulation material may include layers of differing thicknesses, or
layers with and without associated spacing elements. In some embodiments
there may be one or more additional layers within or in addition to the
ultra efficient insulation material, such as, for example, an outer
structural layer or an inner structural layer. An inner or an outer
structural layer may be made of any material appropriate to the
embodiment, for example an inner or an outer structural layer may
include: plastic, metal, alloy, composite, or glass. In some embodiments,
there may be one or more layers of high vacuum between layers of thermal
reflective film. In some embodiments, the gap 120 includes a
substantially evacuated gaseous pressure relative to the atmospheric
pressure external to the container 100. A substantially evacuated gaseous
pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure external to the container
100 may include substantially evacuated gaseous pressure surrounding a
plurality of layers of MLI, for example between and around the layers. A
substantially evacuated gaseous pressure relative to the atmospheric
pressure external to the container 100 may include substantially
evacuated gaseous pressure in one or more sections of a gap. For example,
in some embodiments the gap 120 includes substantially evacuated space
having a pressure less than or equal to 1×10-2 torr. For
example, in some embodiments the gap 120 includes substantially evacuated
space having a pressure less than or equal to 5×104 torr. For
example, in some embodiments the gap 120 includes substantially evacuated
space having a pressure less than or equal to 1×10-2 torr in
the gap 120. For example, in some embodiments the gap 120 includes
substantially evacuated space having a pressure less than or equal to
5×10-4 torr in the gap 120. In some embodiments, the gap 120
includes substantially evacuated space having a pressure less than
1×10-2 torr, for example, less than 5×10-3 torr,
less than 5×10-4 torr, less than 5×10-5 torr,
5×10-6 torr or 5×10-7 torr. For example, in some
embodiments the gap 120 includes a plurality of layers of multilayer
insulation material and substantially evacuated space having a pressure
less than or equal to 1×10-2 torr. For example, in some
embodiments the gap 120 includes a plurality of layers of multilayer
insulation material and substantially evacuated space having a pressure
less than or equal to 5×10-4 torr.

[0079] Depending on the embodiment, a substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 may be fabricated from a variety of materials. For
example, a substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may be
fabricated from metals, fiberglass or plastics of suitable
characteristics for a given embodiment. For example, a substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 may include materials of a
suitable strength, hardness, durability, cost, availability, thermal
conduction characteristics, gas-emitting properties, or other
considerations appropriate for a given embodiment. In some embodiments,
the materials for fabrication of individual segments of the container 100
are compatible with forming a gas-impervious seal between the segments.
In some embodiments, the outer wall 105 is fabricated from stainless
steel. In some embodiments, the outer wall 105 is fabricated from
aluminum. In some embodiments, the inner wall 110 is fabricated from
stainless steel. In some embodiments, the inner wall 110 is fabricated
from aluminum. In some embodiments, all or part of the connector 115 is
fabricated from stainless steel. In some embodiments, all or part of the
connector 115 is fabricated from aluminum. Embodiments include a
container with an inner wall 110 and an outer wall 105 fabricated from
stainless steel, and a connector 115 with segments fabricated from
stainless steel and segments fabricated from aluminum. In some
embodiments, the connector 115 is fabricated from fiberglass. In some
embodiments, portions or parts of a substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 may be fabricated from composite or layered
materials. For example, an outer wall 105 may be substantially fabricated
from stainless steel, with an external covering of plastic, such as to
protect the outer surface of the container from scratches. For example,
an inner wall 110 may substantially be fabricated from stainless steel,
with a coating within the substantially sealed storage region 130 of
plastic, rubber, foam or other material suitable to provide support and
insulation to material stored within the substantially sealed storage
region 130.

[0080] FIG. 1 illustrates a substantially thermally sealed container 100
including an outer wall 105 and an inner wall 110, with a connector 115
between the outer wall 105 and the inner wall 110. As shown in FIG. 1,
the inner wall 110 roughly defines a substantially thermally sealed
storage region 130. When the container 100 is in an upright position, as
depicted in FIG. 1, the connector 115 is configured to entirely support
the mass of the inner wall 110 and the total contents of the
substantially thermally sealed storage region 130. In addition, in
embodiments wherein a gap 120 includes a gaseous pressure significantly
less than atmospheric pressure (e.g. less than or equal to
1×10-2 torr, less than or equal to 1×10-3 torr,
less than or equal to 1×10-4 torr, or less than or equal to
5×10-4 torr), the connector 115 as depicted in FIG. 1 supports
the mass of the inner wall 110 and any contents of the substantially
thermally sealed storage region 130 against the force of the partial
pressure within the gap 120. For example, in an embodiment wherein the
connector 115 includes a conduit 125 of approximately 21/2 inches in
diameter and the partial pressure of the gap 120 is 5×10-4
torr, the downward force on the region of the inner wall 110 directly
opposite to the end of the conduit 125 is approximately equivalent to 100
pounds of weight at that location due to the partial pressure in the gap
120. As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the container 100 is in an upright
position, the connector 115 substantially supports the mass of the inner
wall 110 and any contents of the substantially thermally sealed storage
region 130 without additional supporting elements within the gap 120. For
example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the inner wall 110 is
connected to the connector 115, and the inner wall 110 does not contact
any other supporting units when the container 100 is in an upright
position. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in embodiments wherein an inner wall
110 is entirely freely supported by a connector 115 and wherein the
connector 115 is a flexible connector, the inner wall 110 may swing or
otherwise move within the gap 120 in response to motion of the container
100. For example, when the container 100 is transported, the flexible
connector 115 may bend or flex in response to the transportation motion,
and the inner wall 110 may correspondingly swing or move within the gap
120.

[0081]FIG. 2 depicts aspects of some embodiments of a substantially
thermally sealed container 100. FIG. 2 depicts in cross-section an inner
wall 110 in conjunction with a connector 115. Although a connector 115
with a flexible segment 160 is illustrated, a connector 115 may be
non-flexible in some embodiments. The interior of the connector 115
substantially defines a conduit 125 between the exterior of the container
and the interior of a storage region 130. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the
multiple flanges of the flexible segment 160 of the connector 115 form an
elongated thermal pathway on the surface of the connector 115 forming the
edges of the conduit 125 between the storage region 130 and the region
exterior to the container. The elongated thermal pathway of the conduit
125 provides reduced thermal energy transfer along the conduit 125 in
comparison with a smooth (i.e. non-flanged) connector 115.

[0082] The connector 115 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a first
compression unit 250 substantially encircling one end of the flexible
segment 160 and a second compression unit 240 substantially encircling
another end of the flexible segment 160. Although only a single
compression strand 230 is illustrated in the view of FIG. 2, in an actual
embodiment a plurality of compression strands 230 are positioned around
the circumference of the flexible segment 160. The plurality of
compression strands 230 are attached to both the first compression unit
250 and the second compression unit 240, substantially fixing a maximum
distance allowable between the first compression unit 250 and the second
compression unit 240. A junction unit 270 joins the connector 115 with
the inner wall 110 of the container 100.

[0083] In embodiments with an inner wall 110 and/or an outer wall 105
fabricated from one or more materials and a connector 115 fabricated from
one or more different materials, one or more junction units 270 may be
included in the substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 to
ensure a suitably strong, durable and/or gas-impermeable connection
between the inner wall 110 and the connector 115 and/or the outer wall
105 and the connector 115. A "junction unit," as used herein, includes a
unit configured for connections to two different components of the
container 100, forming a junction between the different components. A
substantially thermally sealed container 100 may include a
gas-impermeable junction between the first end of the connector 115 and
the outer wall at the edge of the outer wall aperture. A substantially
thermally sealed container 100 may include a gas-impermeable junction
between the second end of the duct and the inner wall at the edge of the
inner wall aperture. Some embodiments include a gas-impermeable junction
between the second end of the duct and the substantially thermally sealed
storage region 130, the gas-impermeable junction substantially encircling
the aperture in the substantially thermally sealed storage region 130.
For example, in embodiments with a inner wall 110 and/or an outer wall
105 fabricated from aluminum and a connector 115 fabricated from
stainless steel, one or more junction units 270 may be included in the
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 to ensure a suitably
strong and gas-impermeable attachment between the inner wall 110 and the
connector 115 and/or the outer wall 105 and the connector 115. Some
embodiments include a gas-impermeable junction between the first end of
the duct and the exterior of the substantially thermally sealed storage
container 100, the gas-impermeable junction substantially encircling the
aperture in the exterior. For example, a substantially ring-shaped
junction unit may be included to functionally connect the top edge of the
connector 115 and the edge of the aperture in the outer wall 105. For
example, FIG. 2 illustrates a substantially ring-shaped junction unit 270
between the bottom edge of the connector 115 and the edge of the aperture
in the inner wall 110. Junction units such as those depicted 270 in FIG.
2 may be fabricated from roll bonded clad metals, for example as roll
bonded transition inserts such as those available from Spur Industries
Inc., (Spokane, Wash.). For example, a roll bonded transition insert
including a layer of stainless steel bonded to a layer of aluminum is a
suitable base for fabricating a junction unit 270 between an aluminum
outer wall 105 or inner wall 110 and a stainless steel connector 115. In
such an embodiment, a junction unit 270 is positioned so that identical
materials are placed adjacent to each other, and then operably sealed
together using commonly implemented methods, such as welding. For
example, in an embodiment where a container 100 includes an aluminum
outer wall 105 and a stainless steel connector 115, a roll bonded
transition insert including a layer of stainless steel bonded to a layer
of aluminum may be used in a first junction unit, suitably positioned so
that the aluminum outer wall 105 may be welded to the aluminum portion of
the first junction unit. Similarly, the stainless steel portion of the
junction unit may be welded to the top edge of the stainless steel
connector 115. A second junction unit 270 may be similarly used to
operably attach the bottom edge of the stainless steel connector 115 to
the edge of the aperture in the aluminum inner wall 110. In embodiments
where junction units 270 are not utilized, brazing methods and suitable
filler materials may be used to operably attach a connector 115
fabricated from materials distinct from the materials used to fabricate
the outer wall 105 and/or the inner wall 110.

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the interior of the storage region 130
includes a storage structure 200. The storage structure 200 is fixed to
the interior surface of the inner wall 110. The storage structure 200
illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a plurality of apertures 220, 210 of an
equivalent size and shape. Some of these apertures 220, 210 are
completely depicted and some are only partially depicted in the
cross-section illustration of FIG. 2. The storage structure 200 includes
a planar structure including a plurality of apertures 220, 210, wherein
the planar structure is located adjacent to a wall of the thermally
sealed storage region 130 opposite to the single access aperture and
substantially parallel with the diameter of the single access aperture.
The plurality of apertures 220, 210 included in the storage structure 200
include substantially circular apertures. The plurality of apertures 220,
210 included in the storage structure 200 include a plurality of
apertures 220 located around the circumference of the storage structure
200, and a single aperture 210 located in the center of the storage
structure 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the apertures 220, 210 included
in the storage structure 200 are of substantially similar size and shape,
allowing for the interchange of the heat sink units and the stored
material modules in different apertures 220, 210.

[0085] Although a substantially planar storage structure 200 is depicted
in FIG. 2, in some embodiments a storage structure may include brackets,
hooks, springs, flanges, or other configurations as appropriate for
reversible storage of the heat sink modules and stored material modules
of that embodiment. For example, a storage structure may include brackets
and/or hooks. For example, a storage structure may include brackets with
openings configured for heat sink modules and stored material modules to
slide into the structure. For example, a storage structure may include
hanging cylinders and/or a carousel-like structure with openings
configured for heat sink modules and stored material modules to slide
into the structure. Some embodiments include a storage structure with
aspects configured to assist in the insertion, positioning and removal of
heat sink modules and/or stored material modules; such as slide
structures and/or positioning guide structures. Some embodiments include
an external insertion and removal device, such as a hook, loop or bracket
on an elongated pole configured to assist in the insertion, positioning
and removal of heat sink modules and/or stored material modules.

[0086] In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed storage
container 100 includes one or more storage structures 200 within an
interior of at least one thermally sealed storage region 130. A storage
structure 200 is configured for receiving and storing of at least one
heat sink module and at least one stored material module. A storage
structure 200 is configured for interchangeable storage of at least one
heat sink module and at least one stored material module. For example, a
storage structure may include racks, shelves, containers, thermal
insulation, shock insulation, or other structures configured for storage
of material within the storage region 130. In some embodiments, a storage
structure includes at least one bracket configured for the reversible
attachment of at least one heat sink module or at least one stored
material module. In some embodiments, a storage structure includes at
least one rack configured for the reversible attachment of at least one
heat sink module or at least one stored material module. In some
embodiments, a storage structure includes at least one clamp configured
for the reversible attachment of at least one heat sink module or at
least one stored material module. In some embodiments, a storage
structure includes at least one fastener configured for the reversible
attachment of at least one heat sink module or at least one stored
material module. In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 includes one or more removable inserts within an
interior of at least one thermally sealed storage region 130. The
removable inserts may be made of any material appropriate for the
embodiment, including nontoxic materials, metal, alloy, composite, or
plastic. The one or more removable inserts may include inserts that may
be reused or reconditioned. The one or more removable inserts may include
inserts that may be cleaned, sterilized, or disinfected as appropriate to
the embodiment. In some embodiments, a storage structure includes at
least one bracket configured for the reversible attachment of at least
one heat sink module or at least one stored material module. In some
embodiments, a storage structure is configured for interchangeable
storage of a plurality of modules, wherein the modules include at least
one heat sink module and at least one stored material module.

[0087] In some embodiments the substantially thermally sealed storage
container may include one or more heat sink units thermally connected to
one or more storage region 130. In some embodiments, the substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 may include no heat sink units. In
some embodiments, the substantially thermally sealed storage container
100 may include heat sink units within the interior of the container 100,
such as within a storage region 130. Heat sink units may be modular and
configured to be removable and interchangeable. In some embodiments, heat
sink units are configured to be interchangeable with stored material
modules. Heat sink modules may be fabricated from a variety of materials,
depending on the embodiment. Materials for inclusion in a heat sink
module may be selected based on properties such as thermal conductivity,
durability over time, stability of the material when subjected to
particular temperatures, stability of the material when subjected to
repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, cost, weight, density, and
availability. In some embodiments, heat sink modules are fabricated from
metals. For example, in some embodiments, heat sink modules are
fabricated from stainless steel. For example, in some embodiments, heat
sink modules are fabricated from aluminum. In some embodiments, heat sink
modules are fabricated from plastics. For example, in some embodiments,
heat sink modules are fabricated from polyethylene. For example, in some
embodiments, heat sink modules are fabricated from polypropylene. A heat
sink unit may be fabricated to be durable and reusable, for example a
heat sink unit may be fabricated from stainless steel and water. A heat
sink unit may be brought to a suitable temperature before placement in a
storage region 130, for example a heat sink unit may be frozen at -20
degrees Centigrade externally to the container 100 and then brought to 0
degrees Centigrade externally to the container 100 before placement
within a storage region 130.

[0088] The term "heat sink unit," as used herein, includes one or more
units that absorb thermal energy. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,390,734 to Voorhes et al., titled "Heat Sink," U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,101
to Ruka et al., titled "Heat Sink," U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,426 to Best et
al., titled "Heat or Thermal Energy Storage Structure," and U.S. Pat. No.
4,976,308 to Faghri titled "Thermal Energy Storage Heat Exchanger," and
Zalba et al., "Review on thermal energy storage with phase change:
materials, heat transfer analysis and applications," Applied Thermal
Engineering 23: 251-283 (2003), which are each incorporated herein by
reference. In the embodiments described herein, all of the heat sink
materials included within a substantially thermally sealed storage
container 100 are located within specific heat sink units, as illustrated
in the following Figures. All of the embodiments described herein include
heat sink materials only within sealed heat sink units, maintained
physically distinct and separated from any stored material within a
storage region 130. This physical distance allows for the transfer of
heat energy to the heat sink from the interior of the storage region 130
without excessive cooling of the stored material, which may damage the
stored material For example, many medicinals must be stored a
temperatures near to but above freezing (e.g. approximately 2 degrees
Centigrade to approximately 8 degrees Centigrade). See Wirkas et al., "A
Vaccine Cold Chain Freezing Study in PNG Highlights Technology Needs for
Hot Climate Countries," Vaccine 25: 691-697 (2007). Heat sink units may
include, for example: units containing frozen water or other types of
ice; units including frozen material that is generally gaseous at ambient
temperature and pressure, such as frozen carbon dioxide (CO2); units
including liquid material that is generally gaseous at ambient
temperature and pressure, such as liquid nitrogen; units including
artificial gels or composites with heat sink properties; units including
phase change materials; and units including refrigerants. See, for
example: U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,241 to Kitahara et al., titled
"Refrigerant," U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,403 to Bivens et al., titled
"Halocarbon Blends for Refrigerant Use," U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,854 to Enjo
et al., titled "Absorption Refrigerant Compositions for Use in Absorption
Refrigeration Systems," and U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,465 to Gray, titled
"Hydrocarbon-Halocarbon Refrigerant Blends," which are each herein
incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, heat sink materials
include tetradecane and hexadecane binary mixtures (see, for example, Bo
et al., "Tetradecane and hexadecane binary mixtures as phase change
materials (PCMs) for cool storage in district cooling systems," Energy
24: 1015-1028 (1999), which is incorporated by reference). In some
embodiments, heat sink materials include commercially available
materials, such as PureTemp® phase change materials, available from
Entropy Solutions Inc., Plymouth, Minn.

[0089] The heat sink materials used for a given embodiment may vary
depending on the desired internal temperature of the storage region 130
and the length of intended use, as well as other factors such as cost,
weight and toxicity of the heat sink material. Although in the
embodiments described herein the heat sink materials are only intended
for use within a sealed heat sink unit, toxicity of a heat sink material
may be relevant for manufacturing or disposal purposes. As an example,
for embodiments wherein the storage region 130 is intended to be
maintained between approximately 2 degrees to approximately 8 degrees
Centigrade for a period of 30 days or greater, water ice or a water-ice
combination may be used as a heat sink material.

[0090] In the embodiments described herein, the substantially thermally
sealed storage container includes one or more stored material modules.
The substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 may include
stored material modules within a storage region 130 in association with a
storage structure 200. A stored material module may be configured to
reversibly mate with the edge of an aperture 220, 210 in the storage
structure 200, as illustrated in FIG. 3. A stored material module may be
configured for use with a given size container 100 and storage structure
200 with apertures 220, 210 of specific dimensions. For example, a stored
material module may be of a height suitable to fit a storage structure
200 within a storage region 130 in an upright position without coming
into contact with the interior surface of the storage region 130. For
example, a stored material module may be cylindrical and fit with minimal
extra space within an aperture 220, 210 of a storage structure 130.

[0091] As used herein, "stored material modules" refers to modular units
configured for storage of materials within a substantially thermally
sealed storage container 100. Stored material modules are modular and
configured to be removable and interchangeable. Stored material modules
are configured to be removable and interchangeable with each other as
well as with heat sink units, i.e. of a similar size and shape. Stored
material modules such as those described herein are configured to fit,
with minimal open space, within an aperture 220, 210 within a storage
structure 200. Stored material modules may include a plurality of storage
units. For example, a stored material module may include a plurality of
cups, drawers, inserts, indentations, cavities, or chambers, each of
which may be a storage unit configured for storage of material. In some
embodiments, stored material modules are configured to be interchangeable
with heat sink units. Stored material modules may be configured to be
fixed in place within a storage region 130 with a storage structure 200.
Stored material modules may be fabricated from a variety of materials,
depending on the embodiment. Materials for inclusion in a stored material
module may be selected based on properties such as thermal conductivity,
durability over time, stability of the material when subjected to
particular temperatures, stability, strength, cost, weight, density, and
availability. In some embodiments, heat sink modules are fabricated from
metals. For example, in some embodiments, heat sink modules are
fabricated from stainless steel. For example, in some embodiments, heat
sink modules are fabricated from aluminum. In some embodiments, heat sink
modules are fabricated from plastics. For example, in some embodiments,
heat sink modules are fabricated from polyethylene. For example, in some
embodiments, heat sink modules are fabricated from polypropylene.

[0092]FIG. 3 illustrates aspects of a storage structure 200 and a
plurality of modules 300, including heat sink modules 310 and stored
material modules 320. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the storage structure 200
is configured for receiving and storing a plurality of modules 300,
wherein the modules include at least one heat sink module 310 and at
least one stored material module 320. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
storage structure 200 is configured for interchangeable storage of a
plurality of modules 300, wherein the modules include at least one heat
sink module 310 and at least one stored material module 320. The storage
structure 200, as illustrated in FIG. 3, includes a planar structure
including a plurality of circular apertures 220, 210 (see FIG. 2). The
plurality of modules 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 are configured to
reversibly mate with the surfaces of the circular apertures 220, 210. The
plurality of modules 300 are configured to be interchangeable at
different locations within the storage structure 200. The storage
structure 200 includes circular apertures 220, 210 of substantially
equivalent size and spacing configured to facilitate the modular format
of the plurality of modules 300. Although the container 100 exterior is
not depicted in FIG. 3, the storage structure 200 and the plurality of
modules 300 are configured for inclusion within a storage region 130 of a
container 100.

[0093] A stored material module 320, as illustrated in FIG. 3, includes a
plurality of storage units 330. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3,
the storage units 330 are arranged in a columnar structure within the
stored material module 320. Each storage module 320 includes a plurality
of storage units positioned in a columnar array. In some embodiments, the
plurality of storage units 330 may be of a substantially equivalent size
and shape, as depicted in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the plurality of
storage units 330 may be positioned in a columnar array and wherein the
storage units 330 are of a substantially equivalent horizontal dimension
and wherein the plurality of storage units 330 include individual storage
units 330 of at least two distinct vertical dimensions. Storage units 330
with fixed horizontal dimensions may be stacked in a linear array.
However, storage units 330 with fixed width or diameter need not have the
same height. In some embodiments, storage units 330 of varying heights
may be desirable for storage of materials of varying sizes or heights.
For example, in embodiments configured for storage of medicinal vials,
such as vaccine vials, storage units 330 of varying heights may be
configured for storage of different size vaccine vials. A storage unit
330 may be configured, for example, for storage of standard-size 2 cc
vaccine vials, or standard-size 3 cc vaccine vials. A stored material
module 320 may also include a cap 340. The cap 340 may be configured to
enclose the adjacent storage unit 330. The cap may be removable and
replicable. A central stabilizer 350 may be attached to a stored material
module 320. A central stabilizer 350 may be attached to a cap 340
reversibly, for example with a threaded screw on the central stabilizer
350 configured to mate with a threaded aperture on the surface of the cap
340.

[0094] Stored material modules 320 and associated stored material units
330 may be fabricated from a variety of materials, depending on the
embodiment. For example, the stored material modules 320 and stored
material units 330 may be fabricated from a low thermal mass plastic, or
a rigid foam material. In some embodiments the stored material modules
320 and stored material units 330 may be fabricated from acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. In some embodiments the stored material
modules 320 may include metal components.

[0095] In some embodiments, a storage structure 200 and a plurality of
modules 300, including heat sink modules 310 and stored material modules
320 may be configured for interchangeable storage of heat sink modules
310 and stored material modules 320. The choice of the type and number of
heat sink modules 310 and stored material modules 320 may vary for any
particular use of the container 100. For example, in an embodiment where
the stored material modules 320 are required to be stored for a longer
period of time in a predetermined temperature range, relatively fewer
stored material modules 320 and relatively more heat sink modules 310 may
be included. For example, in an embodiment such as depicted in FIG. 3, a
total of nine heat sink modules may be included in the outer ring of the
storage structure 200 and a single stored material module 320 may be
included in the center of the ring. An embodiment such as depicted in
FIG. 3 may, for example, be configured to store a single stored material
module 320 and a total of nine heat sink modules 310 including water ice
for at least three months at a temperature between 0 degrees C. and 10
degrees C. An embodiment such as depicted in FIG. 3 may, for example, be
configured to store two stored material modules 320 and a total of eight
heat sink modules 310 including water ice for at least two months at a
temperature between 0 degrees C. and 10 degrees C.

[0096] Other configurations and relative numbers of stored material
modules 320 and heat sink modules 310 may be utilized, depending on the
particular container 100 and desired storage time in a particular
temperature range. Other configurations and ratios of stored material
modules 320 and heat sink modules 310 may be included in a particular
container 100 depending on the desired storage time in a particular
temperature range. Other configurations and ratios of stored material
modules 320 and heat sink modules 310 may be included in a particular
container 100 depending on the number of access events during the desired
storage time in a particular temperature range. A heat sink module 310
including a particular volume of heat sink material at a particular
temperature may be estimated to have a particular amount of energy
storage, such as in joules of energy. Assuming a constant heat leak in
the container 100, an incremental value of energy, e.g. joules, per time
of storage may be calculated. Assuming a constant access energy loss to a
storage region in a container, an incremental value of energy, e.g.
joules, per access to a storage region may be calculated. For a
particular use, heat sink module(s) 310 with corresponding values of
energy storage, e.g. joules, may be included as calculated per time of
storage. For a particular use, heat sink module(s) 310 with corresponding
values of energy storage, e.g. joules, may be included as calculated per
access to the storage region (e.g. removal and/or insertion of stored
material).

[0097]FIG. 4 illustrates aspects of a substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 including stored material modules 310, 320. FIG. 4
depicts an inner wall 110 and an attached connector 115 in cross-section.
In the interests of illustrating the inner components of the container
100, an outer wall 105 and other aspects of the container are not
depicted in FIG. 4. The storage region 130 within the inner wall 110
contains multiple storage modules 310, 320. FIG. 4 illustrates two heat
sink modules 310 in cross-section. As is evident in the cross-section
view, each of the two heat sink modules 310 includes two heat sink units,
forming an upper and a lower heat sink region relative to the orientation
of FIG. 4. Each of the heat sink modules 310 includes a cap 360. The cap
360 may be configured to be removable, for example with screw-type
threading configured to mate with an edge of the heat sink unit. In some
embodiments, a heat sink unit or module may not include a cap 360 but
instead by constitutively sealed. In some embodiments, the cap 360 may
include a flange, handle, knob or shaft configured to enable the
insertion and removal of the heat sink module 310 from the container 100.
For example, a cap 360 may include a thin flexible arc of material
externally to the cap, the arc of material of suitable strength to allow
its use as a handle for the insertion and removal of the heat sink module
310 from the storage region 130. A heat sink module 310 may be
cylindrical, as illustrated in FIG. 4. A heat sink module 310 may
contain, for example, water, water ice, and/or air. A heat sink module
310 may contain a heat sink material that may be recharged, such as water
(i.e. by re-cooling or re-freezing). A heat sink module 310 may contain a
heat sink material that may be replaced (i.e. by opening a cap 360). The
illustrated heat sink modules 310 are substantially cylindrical in shape
and include caps 360 configured for reversible opening of the heat sink
modules 310. For example, the heat sink modules 310 may be opened for
recharging or replacement of heat sink material within the heat sink
modules 310. In some embodiments, the heat sink modules 310 may be sealed
closed (e.g. with a welding joint) and not configured for reversible
opening. The heat sink modules 310 may include two or more heat sink
units (e.g. top and bottom relative to FIG. 4). Heat sink units may be
attached to form a heat sink module 310 with a module joint, for example
an adhesive attachment, a weld attachment, or a screw-type reversible
attachment.

[0098] Some embodiments include a plurality of heat sink modules 310 of a
substantially cylindrical shape as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. The
materials used in the fabrication of the heat sink units may depend, for
example, on the thermal properties of the heat sink material stored in
the heat sink modules 310. The materials used in the fabrication of the
heat sink modules 310 may depend, for example, on cost, weight,
availability, and durability. The heat sink modules 310 may be fabricated
from stainless steel of an appropriate type and thickness to the
embodiment. The heat sink modules 310 may include water stored internally
as a heat sink material. For example, substantially cylindrical heat sink
modules 310 may be fabricated from stainless steel and approximately 90%
filled with water. The heat sink modules 310 may then be placed
horizontally and frozen in an environment set to approximately -20
degrees C. (for example, a standard freezer). After a sufficient time for
the water within the heat sink modules 310 to freeze, the heat sink
modules may be removed and placed at approximately 20 degrees C. (for
example, an average room temperature) until some of the water turns to
ice. See, for example, "Preventing Freeze Damage to Vaccines," WHO
publication WHO/IVB/07.09, and Magennis et al., "Pharmaceutical Cold
Chain: a Gap in the Last Mile," Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News,
Supply Chain Management Supplement, 44-50 (September 2010), which are
herein incorporated by reference. Once the heat sink modules 310 contain
both ice and liquid water, they are ready for use in a storage region 130
within a substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 with an
approximate temperature range between 0 degrees C. to 10 degrees C.

[0099]FIG. 4 depicts a stored material module 320 in cross-section in the
center of the storage region 130. The stored material module 320 includes
a series of stored material units 330 arranged in a columnar array. Each
of the stored material units 330 includes a side region 440 and a bottom
region 430 positioned at substantially right angles to the side region
440. Each of the stored material units 330 includes a plurality of
apertures 410 in the bottom of the stored material unit 330. Such
apertures may be configured to improve thermal circulation around stored
material within the stored material unit 330. Such apertures may be
configured to improve air flow around stored material within the stored
material unit 330. The stored material module 320 includes a base 420 at
the lower end of the module 320, the base having an external surface
configured to reversibly mate with the interior surface of the center
aperture 210 in the storage structure 200.

[0100] A stored material module 320 may be configured to reversibly mate
with an aperture in a storage structure (see e.g. FIGS. 9, 10 and 11).
The stored material module 320 includes a plurality of stored material
units 330. Although each of the stored material units 330 depicted in
FIGS. 3 and 4 are of a similar vertical dimension, or height, in some
embodiments the stored material units 330 may be of a variety of vertical
dimensions, or heights. Each of the stored material units 330 is
configured in a cup-like shape. Each of the stored material units 330
includes a side region 440 and a bottom region 430 positioned at
substantially right angles to the side region 440. Each of the stored
material units 330 may include a plurality of apertures 410 in the bottom
of the cup-like unit. The stored material units 330 are arrayed in a
columnar stack, with most of the stored material units 330 resting on top
of a lower stored material unit 330. At the bottom of the column of
stored material units 330, the lowest stored material unit 330 sits on
top of a stored material module base 420. At the top of the column of
stored material units 330, the highest stored material unit 330 is
covered with a cap 340. The cap 340 includes an attachment region 370.
Although not illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments a stored
material module 320 includes a flange, knob, handle or shaft configured
to enable removal and insertion of the stored material module 320 into a
storage region 130. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some
embodiments a stored material module 320 includes an indentation along at
least one vertical side, the indentation configured for insertion and
support of wires as part of an information system. Although not
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments a stored material
module 320 includes an indentation along at least one vertical side, the
indentation configured for insertion and support of wires as part of a
sensor system.

[0101] At the top of the stored material module 320 illustrated in
cross-section, FIG. 4 depicts an attachment region 370 configured for
reversible attachment of a central stabilizer unit 350 to the stored
material module 320. For example, the attachment region 370 may include a
threaded region configured to reversibly mate with a threaded region on a
central stabilizer unit 350. The central stabilizer unit 350 may be
configured from a material with low thermal conductivity, such as a low
thermal mass plastic, or a rigid foam material. The central stabilizer
unit 350 may be configured to substantially fill the conduit 125 in the
connector 115. The central stabilizer unit 350 may be configured to
provide lateral stabilization and/or support to the attached the stored
material module 320. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a distal end of a central
stabilizer unit 350 may protrude beyond the end of the connector 115.

[0102]FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of an apparatus for use with a
substantially thermally sealed storage container. An apparatus, as
illustrated in FIG. 5, includes: a stored material module including a
plurality of storage units configured for storage of medicinal units, the
stored material module including a surface configured to reversibly mate
with a surface of a storage structure within a substantially thermally
sealed storage container and including a surface configured to reversibly
mate with a surface of a stabilizer unit; a storage stabilizer unit
configured to reversibly mate with the surface of the stored material
module; a stored material module cap configured to reversibly mate with a
surface of at least one of the plurality of storage units within the
stored material module and configured to reversibly mate with a surface
of the at least one storage stabilizer unit; and a central stabilizer
unit configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored material
module cap, wherein the central stabilizer unit is of a size and shape to
substantially fill a conduit in the substantially thermally sealed
storage container. The size and shape of the apparatus is dependent on
the particular container 100 with which the apparatus is used. For
example, the stored material module base 420 is configured to reversibly
mate with the surface of an aperture in the storage structure 200, while
the lid 500 is configured to remain external to the container 100. The
apparatus, therefore, must be of an appropriate length (e.g. along the
axis between the stored material module base 420 and the lid handle 510)
to allow the stored material module base 420 to reversibly mate with the
surface of an aperture in the storage structure 200, while simultaneously
allowing the lid 500 to remain external to the container 100. Similarly,
the stored material module base 420, the stored material module 320 and
the central stabilizer 350 of the apparatus are configured to be
reversibly inserted and removed from the interior of the container 100
through the conduit 125. The apparatus, therefore, must be of a diameter
(i.e. approximately horizontal relative to FIG. 5) across the stored
material module base 420, the stored material module 320 and the central
stabilizer 350 to fit within the conduit 125. Preferably, the central
stabilizer 350 has a diameter similar to the minimal diameter of the
conduit 125, so that there is minimal air space between the outer surface
of the central stabilizer 350 and the surface of the connector 115 when
the apparatus is in use within the container 100. An apparatus such as
illustrated in FIG. 5 also should be of a weight and size suitable for
handling by a person. For example, the apparatus should be configured to
allow an individual person to easily pull the apparatus partially out of
the container 100 with one hand, and to remove stored material from a
storage unit 330 with the opposite hand. For example, the total apparatus
such as illustrated in FIG. 5 should be no more than 3 kg, or no more
than 5 kg, or no more than 7 kg, or no more than 10 kg when in use with
stored material included within the storage units 330 A-I.

[0103] Components of the apparatus may be fabricated from a variety of
materials, depending on the embodiment. For example, multiple components
may be fabricated from materials selected for attributes such as cost,
strength, density, weight, durability, low thermal transfer properties,
resistance to corrosion, and thermal stability. Some of the components
may be fabricated from a rigid plastic material, such as polyoxymethylene
(POM) or Delrin®. Some of the components may be fabricated from
stainless steel. Some of the components may be fabricated from aluminum.
Some of the components may be fabricated from glass-reinforced plastic
(GRP) or fiberglass.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 5, a stored material module 320 includes a
plurality of storage units, 330A, 330B, 330C, 330D, 330E, 330F, 330G,
330H, and 330I. The storage units 330A-I are positioned in a columnar
array in the stored material module 320. The storage units 330A-I are
positioned as a vertical stack within the stored material module 320. As
illustrated, the storage units 330A-I are configured to be
interchangeable within the stored material module 320. For example,
storage unit 330 B and storage unit 330 D may be removed from the stored
material module 320 and switched in position within the stored material
module 320 (i.e. so the storage unit order would be A, D, C, B, E, F, G,
H, I) without loss of function or significant changes in the total size
and shape of the stored material module 320. As illustrated, storage
units 330A-I are of a substantially similar size and shape. In some
embodiments, there may be at least two storage units 330 of a similar
diameter relative to the column of the stored material module 320 but
with distinct lengths, or heights relative to the stored material module
320 illustrated in FIG. 5. Such differently-sized storage units 330 may
be suitable for storage of materials of different sizes within a single
stored material module 320. For example, medicinal vials, such as vaccine
vials, of different heights may be stored within a single stored material
module 320 in distinct storage units 330 with different heights.

[0105] Each of the storage units 330A-I are configured for storage of
medicinal units, more specifically each of the storage units 330A-I are
configured for storage of medicinal vials, such as vaccine vials, of a
set size and shape. Each of the storage units 330A-I are configured for
storage of a number of vaccine vials, depending on the size of the
vaccine vials (i.e. 2 cc or 3 cc vials). Given the space available, each
of the storage units 330A-I are configured to store a maximum number of
medicinal vials, for example less than 30 medicinal vials, less than 20
medicinal vials, or less than 10 medicinal vials. In some embodiments,
one or more of the plurality of the storage units 330A-I are configured
to store prefilled medicinal syringes and associated packaging, for
example prefilled syringes containing vaccine. Given the space available
and the packaging associated with a prefilled syringe, each of the
storage units 330A-I may be configured to store a maximum number of
prefilled medicinal syringes, for example less than 25 medicinal
syringes, less than 20 medicinal syringes, less than 15 medicinal
syringes, less than 10 medicinal syringes, or less than 5 medicinal
syringes. Additional packaging, padding or contamination-limiting
material may be added to one or more storage unit 330 A-I as desirable
for a specific embodiment and type of stored material. One or more
storage units 330A-I may also be left empty during use of the container,
depending on the needs of the user.

[0106] The stored material module 320 includes a surface configured to
reversibly mate with a surface of a storage structure within a
substantially thermally sealed storage container. More specifically, the
stored material module 320 includes a stored material module base 420
operably attached to the stored material module at an end of the stored
material module distal to the stored material module cap. The exterior
surface of the stored material module base 420 is configured to
reversibly mate with the edge surface of an aperture 220, 210 in the
storage structure 200 (not illustrated in FIG. 5). In some embodiments,
as illustrated in FIGS. 26-31 and as discussed more fully in the
associated text, a stored material module base 420 includes one or more
apertures with edges configured to reversibly mate with an external
surface of a stabilizer unit.

[0107] The apparatus depicted in FIG. 5 also includes a storage stabilizer
unit 570 configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored
material module 320. Each of the plurality of storage units 330A-I within
the stored material module 320 include a surface configured to reversibly
mate with an outer surface of the storage stabilizer unit 570. See also
FIGS. 9-11 and associated text. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a single
storage stabilizer unit 570 of a substantially rod-like shape is
positioned along the outer edge of the surface of the stored material
module 320. In some embodiments, there may be two or more storage
stabilizer units 570. The selection on number and positioning of the
storage stabilizer units 570 will depend on the intended use of a
substantially thermally sealed storage container, for example the
expected motion to the substantially thermally sealed storage container
in transport or during use. A storage stabilizer unit 570 is configured
to provide lateral support for the stored material module 320 column,
maintaining the structure of the stored material module 320 during use.
Depending on the embodiment, a storage stabilizer unit 570 may be
fabricated from material such as stainless steel, plastic, or
glass-reinforced plastic. For durability, a storage stabilizer unit 570
may be fabricated from a material that resists corrosion and maintains
its properties in a given intended use. For example, in embodiments
wherein the intended use includes maintaining an internal storage region
130 of a container 100 between 0 degrees Centigrade and 10 degrees
Centigrade, a storage stabilizer unit 570 may be fabricated from a
material predicted to maintain its strength and structure at in that
temperature range. For example, in embodiments wherein the intended use
includes humid conditions, a storage stabilizer unit 570 may be
fabricated from a material with low corrosion properties in those
conditions. FIGS. 11, 12 and 21-29 and associated text further describe
storage stabilizer units 570.

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the apparatus includes a stored material
module cap 340 configured to reversibly mate with a surface of at least
one of the plurality of storage units (e.g. 330 A as illustrated in FIG.
5) within the stored material module 320 and configured to reversibly
mate with a surface of the at least one storage stabilizer unit 570. The
stored material module cap 340 is configured to be positioned at one end
of the columnar array of stored material units 330 in a stored material
module 320. A stored material module cap 340 may include at least one
aperture with a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a
tab of a stored material unit 330. A stored material module cap 340 may
include at least one aperture configured to attach a fastener between the
stored material module 320 and the stored material module cap 340.
Depending on the embodiment, a stored material module cap 340 may be
fabricated from a number of materials of low thermal density and
sufficient strength and durability. For example, a stored material module
cap 340 may be fabricated from low thermal density plastic, or
glass-reinforced plastic.

[0109] A stored material module cap 340 is configured to reversibly mate
with a surface of a central stabilizer unit 350. The cap may include a
connection region 370, as described in more detail in FIGS. 13-17. A
connection region 370 may include a base and a rim, with a surface of the
connection region 370 configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the
central stabilizer 350. A connection region 370 is configured to allow a
user to reversibly slide the stored material module 320 and the central
stabilizer unit 350 and to maintain their relative positions during use
of the apparatus. A stored material module cap 340 may include a
connection region 370, including an aperture; and a circuitry connector
within the aperture, the circuitry connector configured to reversibly
mate with a corresponding circuitry connector on a surface of the central
stabilizer 350. For example, an aperture in a stored material module cap
340 may be configured to allow for a circuitry connector within the
aperture, the circuitry connector positioned to mate with a corresponding
connector on a central stabilizer unit 350. A stored material module cap
340 may include a surface region configured to reversibly mate with a
surface of a fastener between the stored material module cap 340 and a
central stabilizer 350.

[0110] The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5 also includes a central
stabilizer unit 350. The central stabilizer unit 350 is configured to
reversibly mate with a surface of the stored material module cap 340,
wherein the central stabilizer unit 350 is of a size and shape to
substantially fill a conduit 125 in the substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100. The central stabilizer unit 350 is positioned with
a central axis substantially identical to the column formed by the stored
material module 340 during regular use. The central stabilizer unit 350
includes a base 560, wherein the base 560 includes a surface configured
to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored material module cap 340.
The central stabilizer unit 350 may include an aperture 550 configured
for user access to a fastener release for a fastener between the central
stabilizer unit 350 and the stored material module 340. The central
stabilizer unit 350 may include a fastener positioned to reversibly
attach the central stabilizer unit to the stored material module cap 340.
The central stabilizer unit 350 may include a mechanical release operably
attached to the fastener, the release positioned for access from an
exterior surface of the central stabilizer unit 350, such as through an
aperture 550.

[0111] The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a lid 500 attached to
an end of the central stabilizer unit 350 at a site distal to the stored
material module cap 340. The lid 500 is attached to a handle 510 on a
surface distal to the end of the central stabilizer unit 350. The lid 500
includes a display 520, for example a digital display unit, such as a
monitor, screen, or video display device. The display 520 may be integral
to the lid 500. A display 520 may be a LCD display. The lid may also
include an electromechanical user input device 530, such as a button
operably attached to circuitry. In some embodiments, the user input
device 530 and associated circuitry is operably attached to the display
520, for example so that a signal is sent to the display 520 when the
user input device 530 is operated by a user. For example, a person may
depress a button user input device 530 and send a signal to the circuitry
system, causing the system to respond by sending a signal to display the
most recent sensor readings on the display 520. The lid 500 may include
an access aperture 540 for access to a connector operably connected to
circuitry positioned under the lid 500. In various embodiments, the lid
500 may be fabricated out of a variety of materials with low thermal
conductivity and appropriate durability, hardness and strength. For
example, the lid may be fabricated from a suitable plastic,
glass-impregnated plastic, or aluminum.

[0112] Although not shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments the lid 500
serves as a cover for a circuitry system located in the space under the
lid and external to the container 100. For example, a circuitry system
may include a global positioning device (i.e. GPS) and be configured to
send a signal to a display 520 at set intervals, or in response to an
input signal when a user input device 530 is operated by a user. For
example, a circuitry system may be operably connected to a temperature
sensor located on a stored material module 320 or within a stabilizer
unit 570, the circuitry system configured to send a signal to a display
520 at set intervals, or in response to an input signal when a user input
device 530 is operated by a user. In some embodiments, a circuitry system
may be operably connected to an electromechanical switch located on a
surface of the lid 500 in a region configured to mate with a surface of a
substantially thermally sealed container 100 when the lid 500 is
positioned on a container 100. Such an electromechanical switch may be
configured with the associated circuitry to maintain a closed electrical
circuit when the switch is engaged (i.e. pressed down by the pressure of
the surface of the container 100 against the lid 500). A circuitry system
and associated electromechanical switch located on a surface of the lid
500 may be configured to sound an alarm, such as a specific signal on the
display 520, in response to the electromechanical switch being unengaged
and the associated closed electrical circuit broken. A circuitry system
may be configured to record data, for example from a sensor, over time. A
circuitry system may be configured to display data on the display 520 in
response to a user of the apparatus operating the user input device 530.
A circuitry system may be configured to display data on the display 520
in response to predetermined parameters, such as a preset GPS coordinate
being detected or a preset temperature being detected by an attached
sensor.

[0113] A circuitry system may include at least one power source. An
electrical power source may originate, for example, from municipal
electrical power supplies, electric batteries, or an electrical generator
device. A power source may include an electrical connector configured to
connect with a municipal electrical power supply, for example through a
connection associated with an access aperture 540 in the lid 500. A power
source may include a battery pack. A power source may include an
electrical generator, for example a solar-powered generator. In some
embodiments, sensors within the apparatus may also be operably connected
to a power source located under the lid 500. For example, power source
such as a battery pack may be operably connected to a temperature sensor
located in a stabilizer unit through wires running through the stabilizer
unit, through an aperture in the stored material module cap 340, through
an aperture in the central stabilizer 350 to circuitry located under the
lid 500. For example, power source such as a battery pack may be operably
connected to display 520 associated with the surface of the lid 500.

[0114] A circuitry system may be operably connected to a computing device,
such as via a wire connection, such as joined through an access aperture
540 in the lid 500 or a wireless connection. The computing device may
include a display, such as a monitor, screen, or video display device.
The computing device may include a user interface, such as a keyboard,
keypad, touch screen or computer mouse. A computing device may be a
desktop system, or it may include a computing device configured for
mobility, for example a PDA, tablet-type device, laptop, or mobile phone.
A system user may use the computing device to obtain information
regarding the circuitry system and apparatus, query the circuitry system,
or set predetermined parameters regarding the circuitry system. For
example, a remote system user, such as an individual person operating a
remote computing device, may send signals to the circuitry system with
instructions to set the parameters of acceptable temperature readings
from a temperature sensor, and instructions to transmit a signal to the
display 520 if temperature readings deviate from the acceptable
parameters.

[0115] A circuitry system may include a controller. A circuitry system may
include a power distribution unit. The power distribution unit may be
configured, for example, to conserve the energy use by the system over
time. The power distribution unit may be configured, for example, to
minimize total energy within the substantially thermally sealed storage
region 130 within the container 100, for example by minimizing power
distribution to one or more sensors located within the stored material
module 320 or stabilizer unit 570. The power distribution unit may
include a battery capacity monitor. The power distribution unit may
include a power distribution switch. The power distribution unit may
include charging circuitry. The power distribution unit may be operably
connected to a power source. For example, the power distribution unit may
be configured to monitor electricity flowing between the power source and
other components within the circuitry system. A wire connection may
operably connect a power distribution unit to a power source.

[0116] Depending on the embodiment, the circuitry system may include
additional components. For example, the circuitry system may include at
least one indicator, such as a LED indicator or a display indicator. For
example, the circuitry system may include at least one indicator that
provides an auditory indicator, such as an auditory transmitter
configured to produce a beep, tone, voice signal or alarm. For example,
the circuitry system may include at least one antenna. An antenna may be
configured to send and/or receive signals from a sensor network. An
antenna may be configured to send and/or receive signals from an external
network, such as a cellular network, or as part of an ad-hoc system
configured to provide information regarding a group of substantially
thermally sealed containers 100. The circuitry system may include one or
more global positioning devices (e.g. GPS). The circuitry system may
include one or more data storage units, such as computer DRAM, hard disk
drives, or optical disk drives. The circuitry system may include
circuitry configured to process data from a sensor network. The circuitry
system may include logic systems. The circuitry system may include other
components as suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0117] The circuitry system may include one or more external network
connection device. An external network connection device may include a
cellular phone network transceiver unit. An external network connection
device may include a WiFi® network transceiver unit. An external
network connection device may include an Ethernet network transceiver
unit. An external network connection device may be configured to transmit
with Short Message Service (SMS) protocols. An external network
connection device may be configured to transmit to a general packet radio
service (GPRS). An external network connection device may be configured
to transmit to an ad-hoc network system. An external network connection
device may be configured to transmit to an ad-hoc network system such as
a peer to peer communication network, a self-realizing mesh network, or a
ZigBee® network.

[0118]FIG. 6 illustrates aspects of the use of an apparatus such as that
shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates how components of the apparatus may
shift relative to each other for access of stored material within the
storage units 330 A-I. In the view shown in FIG. 6, some of the plurality
of stored material units 330 A-I have moved relative to the column of the
stored material module 320. Stored material units 330 A and 330 B have
moved vertically; or upwards as viewed in FIG. 6, relative to the
remainder of the column of the stored material module 320 including
stored material units 330 C-I and the base 420. The relative movement of
the stored material units 330 A and 330 B allows a user of the apparatus
to access material stored in stored material unit 330 B, for example by
grasping a stored medicinal vial therein with the user's fingers.
Similarly, the relative movement of the stored material units 330 A and
330 B allows a user of the apparatus to insert material into stored
material unit 330 B, for example by placing medicinal vial from a user's
fingers into stored material unit 330 B. Depending on the embodiment, the
relative movement of the stored material units (e.g. 330 A and 330 B in
FIG. 6) should be sufficient to allow access to the stored material
within the stored material units. For example, stored material units that
were previously in contact with each other (e.g. 330 B and 330 C in FIG.
5) should move at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, or at least 5 cm apart
depending on the size of the stored material. For example, stored
material units that were previously in contact with each other (e.g. 330
B and 330 C in FIG. 5) should move at least as far from each other as the
height of the wall of the unit from which material will be removed (e.g.
330 C in FIG. 6).

[0119] As depicted in FIG. 6, in some embodiments there are multiple
storage stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B. The storage stabilizer units 570
A, 570 B are each configured to reversibly mate with a surface of at
least one of the plurality of storage units 330 A-I within the stored
material module 320 and configured to reversibly mate with the surfaces
of each of the storage stabilizer units 330 A-I. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B are
configured as tubular structures, and the storage units 330 A-I are
configured with a circular surface region that reversibly mates with the
surfaces of the tubular structures. As illustrated in FIG. 6, distinct
storage stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B may be of different relative
diameters. For example, storage stabilizer unit 570 A may be of
approximately double the diameter of storage stabilizer unit 570 B. For
example, storage stabilizer unit 570 A may have a diameter of
approximately one centimeter, while storage stabilizer unit 570 B may
have a diameter of approximately a half centimeter. In some embodiments,
the plurality of storage units 330 A-I are configured to slide along an
axis substantially defined by one or more storage stabilizer units 570 A,
570 B. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage stabilizer units 570 A, 570
B are configured as tubular structures, and the storage units 330 A-I are
configured with a corresponding surface region that reversibly mates with
and can slide along the surfaces of the tubular structures. Wherein there
are distinct storage stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B of different relative
diameters, the corresponding storage units 330 A-I surfaces configured to
mate with the surfaces of the stabilizer units 570A, 570B are similarly
of different sizes (see FIGS. 9-11 and associated text). The embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 6 includes two storage stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B,
however in some embodiments there may be a single storage stabilizer unit
or more than two storage stabilizer units. The choice of number and
relative positioning of storage stabilizer units depends on the intended
use of a particular container 100. For example a container 100 designed
for use in a relatively stable setting may require fewer storage
stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B than a container 100 designed for frequent
transport or relocation in use. Depending on the intended use of the
container 100, a stabilizer unit 570 A, 570 B may be fabricated from a
variety of materials. The choice of material may be made relative to
considerations such as durability, thermal properties, corrosion
resistance and cost. In some embodiments, a stabilizer unit 570 A, 570 B
may be fabricated from stainless steel. In some embodiments, a stabilizer
unit 570 A, 570 B may be fabricated from plastic, or glass-reinforced
plastic.

[0120]FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus such as that shown in FIG. 5 in a
full side view. An apparatus in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7
is suitable for use with, and placement in, a substantially thermally
sealed container 100. An apparatus such as illustrated in FIG. 7 includes
a lid 500 with an integral handle 510 and a user input device 530, such
as an electromagnetic switch. The lid 500 is attached to a central
stabilizer unit 350 at an opposing end from the base 560 of the central
stabilizer unit 350. The central stabilizing unit 350 includes an
aperture 550 configured to allow a user of the apparatus to access a
fastener within the central stabilizing unit 350, such as a fastener
configured to reversibly hold the central stabilizing unit in position
relative to a stored material module cap 340. The apparatus includes a
stored material module 320 attached to the stored material module cap 340
at an opposing face of the stored material module cap 340 from the
central stabilizing unit 350. The stored material module 320 includes a
plurality of storage units (e.g. 330) arrayed in a vertical stack with
the top edge of each storage unit in the stack in contact with the
corresponding lower edge of the adjacent storage unit. The bottom of the
stored material module 320 includes a stored material module base 420. In
the view illustrated in FIG. 7, all of the storage units (e.g. 330)
within the stored material module 320 are in the storage position,
without substantial gaps or distance between the storage units. Although
not illustrated in FIG. 7, the apparatus may also include one or more
storage stabilizer unit located behind the storage units in the instant
view.

[0121] FIG. 8 depicts an apparatus such as the one shown in FIG. 7, in a
similar full side view. The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 8 includes the
same features as in FIG. 7, with the addition that two of the storage
units (330 A and 330 B) are separated from the rest of the stack of
storage units (330 C-I). This configuration would allow access to
material stored within the storage unit identified as 330 C. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, the separation of the storage units 330 A and 330
B from the remainder of the units is along an axis substantially defined
by two storage stabilizer units, 570 A and 570 B. Corresponding to the
relative movement of the storage units, the two ends of the apparatus,
the handle 510 and the stored material module base 420, are separated
from each other by the length of the distance between storage units 330 B
and 330 C in FIG. 8 relative to FIG. 7.

[0122]FIG. 9 illustrates aspects of a stored material unit 330. The
illustrated stored material unit 330 includes a side wall 440. The side
wall 440 is formed from a curved plane in a substantially cylindrical
structure. The lower edge of the side wall 440 includes at least one
indentation 940. The edges of the indentation 940 are configured to
reversibly mate with the surfaces of one or more corresponding tabs 900
on an adjacent stored material unit 330. A stored material unit 330 may
include at least one tab structure 900 on an upper edge of the cup-like
structure. A stored material unit 330 may include at least one
indentation 940, wherein the indentation 940 is configured to reversibly
mate with a tab structure 900 on an adjacent stored material unit 330.
For example, a series of tab structures 900 and corresponding
indentations 940 may assist in stabilization of a columnar array of
stored material units 330 in a stored material module 320. A series of
tab structures 900 and corresponding indentations 940 may be configured
to minimize potential displacement of the stored material units 330 in a
stored material module 320. A series of tab structures 900 and
corresponding indentations 940 may be configured to increase stability of
stored material units 330 in a stored material module 320 during addition
or removal of stored material to one or more stored material units 330. A
stored material unit 330 includes a bottom 430, which is substantially
planar and attached to the side wall 440 at substantially right angles.
The stored material unit bottom 430 may include one or more apertures
410, configured to allow air circulation through the stored material
unit, such as during storage or when the apparatus is being inserted into
or removed from a substantially thermally sealed container. The side wall
440 includes at least one gap 910, configured as a region of the side
wall 440 that is shorter than other regions. A gap 910 may be oriented
and configured to allow a user of the apparatus to view the interior of
the stored material unit 330, such as any material stored within the
stored material unit 330. A gap 910 may be oriented and configured to
allow a user of the apparatus increased access to any material stored
within the stored material unit 330, such as when the stored material
unit is distanced from an adjacent stored material unit (e.g. as in FIG.
8). A gap 910 may be configured to allow thermal circulation through a
stored material unit 330. A gap 910 may be configured to allow air flow
through the stored material unit 330. A gap 910 may be configured to
allow visual identification of stored material within the stored material
unit 330.

[0123] A stored material unit 330 may include at least one stabilizer unit
attachment region 920, 930. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the stored material
unit 330 includes two stabilizer unit attachment regions 920, 930. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, each of the stabilizer unit attachment regions
920, 930 is configured with a surface of a size and shape to reversibly
mate with a surface of a stabilizer unit 570. For example, stabilizer
unit attachment region 920 is configured to reversibly mate with the
surface of stabilizer unit 570 B in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.
For example, stabilizer unit attachment region 930 is configured to
reversibly mate with the surface of stabilizer unit 570 A in the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5. Although the stabilizer unit attachment
regions 920, 930 illustrated in FIG. 9 are substantially cylindrical
regions configured to reversibly mate with the surface of the tubular
stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B in FIG. 5, in some embodiments a stabilizer
unit attachment region may be of another shape. For example, a stabilizer
unit attachment region may be configured in a substantially oblong,
rectangular, triangular or other shape as required for the surface to
reversibly mate with the surface of a corresponding stabilizer unit. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, the stabilizer unit attachment regions 920, 930
have surfaces that are configured to allow the stabilizer unit to slide
relative to the surface of the stored material unit 330. The stabilizer
unit attachment regions 920, 930 are of a length shorter than the length
of the surface of a corresponding stabilizer unit. The stabilizer unit
attachment regions 920, 930 are configured to reversibly mate with a
substantial region of the surface of a corresponding stabilizer unit as
the surfaces move relative to each other.

[0124]FIG. 10 illustrates aspects of a stored material unit 330. The view
illustrated in FIG. 10 is a "top down" view of a stored material unit 330
such as the one illustrated in FIG. 9. A stored material unit 330
includes a side wall 440, and a bottom region 430. The bottom region may
include apertures 410, for example to promote air flow through the stored
material unit 330. The side wall 440 may include one or more tab
structures 900. The stored material unit 330 may include at least one
stabilizer unit attachment region 920, 930. In embodiments wherein the
stored material unit includes more than one stabilizer unit attachment
region 920, 930, the regions may be of differing sizes and shapes, for
example to promote stability, to maintain the directionality of the
apparatus, or as suitable for other design requirements. For example,
stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B include other features within their
interiors as further illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0125]FIG. 11 depicts aspects of a stored material unit 330 in horizontal
cross-section along with the associated stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B and
lower stored material units in the columnar array. The view depicted in
FIG. 11 is similar to the view as illustrated in FIG. 10, only with the
addition of multiple lower stored material units as well as associated
stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B. A stored material unit 330 includes a side
wall 440, and a bottom region 430. The side wall 440 may include one or
more tab structures 900. The bottom region may include apertures 410, for
example to promote air flow through the stored material unit 330. As
visible in FIG. 11, the apertures 410 in adjacent stored material units
(e.g. 330 A, 330 B and 330 C in FIG. 5) need not align or correspond in a
linear array through the column.

[0126] The stored material unit 330 shown in FIG. 11 includes stabilizer
unit attachment regions 920, 930. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
11, the stabilizer unit attachment regions 920, 930 are of similar
curvilinear shapes with distinct diameters. Each of the stabilizer unit
attachment regions 920, 930 have surfaces which reversibly mate with the
exterior surfaces of stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B. Each of the
stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B includes an inner tube and at least one
exterior tube of different internal diameters, the tubes positioned as at
least one interior and at least one exterior tube relative to each other,
the tubes sized to slide relative to each other. The tubes included in
each of the stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B form a telescoping structure
along the length of the stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B. See also FIG. 12.
Each of the interior tubes included in each of the stabilizer units 570
A, 570 B forms an interior aperture, including an interior space within
each of the stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B. The interior space within a
stabilizer unit 570A, 570B may include additional components. As
illustrated in FIG. 11, the interior space within stabilizer unit 570 A
includes a circuitry connector 1110, such as common connectors between
wires and circuitry components. A circuitry connector 1110 may include,
for example, a cable connector, a quick-disconnect, a keyed connector, a
plug and socket connector, or other types of electrical connectors as
suitable to a particular embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the
interior space within stabilizer unit 570 B includes a retaining unit
1100. The retaining unit 1100 is configured to maintain tension on a rod,
as further illustrated in FIG. 17. In some embodiments, the interior
space within a stabilizer unit 570 A, 570 B may be empty or include other
components as suitable for a given embodiment.

[0127] FIG. 12 illustrates a stored material module cap 340 and two
associated stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B in the absence of a stored
material module 320. Although a stored material module cap 340 and
associated stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B are generally implemented in
combination with a stored material module 320, the stored material module
320 has been removed from FIG. 12 for purposes of illustration. As
illustrated in FIG. 12, a stored material module cap 340 includes an
attachment region 370. Also as illustrated in FIG. 12, each of the
stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B includes an inner tube and at least one
exterior tube of different internal diameters. For example, FIG. 12
illustrates that stabilizer unit 570 A includes an inner tube 1200 and an
outer tube 1220, with the exterior surface of the inner tube 1200
positioned to reversibly mate with the interior surface of the outer tube
1220. The inner tube 1200 is positioned to slide relative to the outer
tube 1220 in a telescoping fashion, so that the inner tube 1200
reversibly slides within the outer tube 1220. The end of the inner tube
1200 may be operably attached to a surface of the stored material module
cap 340 if desired in a specific embodiment. FIG. 12 also illustrates
that stabilizer unit 570 B includes an outer tube 1210 and an inner tube
1230. The exterior surface of the inner tube 1230 positioned to
reversibly mate with the interior surface of the outer tube 1210. The
inner tube 1230 is positioned to slide relative to the outer tube 1210 in
a telescoping fashion, so that the inner tube 1230 reversibly slides
within the outer tube 1210. The end of the outer tube 1210 may be
operably attached to a surface of the stored material module cap 340 if
desired in a specific embodiment. Each of the stabilizer units 570 A, 570
B may also include a retaining unit operably attached to the inner tube
1200, 1230 and positioned to slide within an aperture in the
corresponding outer tube 1220, 1210. See FIGS. 24 and 25 for further
detail on these retaining units.

[0128] FIG. 13 depicts aspects of a stored material module cap 340. The
stored material module cap 340 includes connection region 370. The
connection region 370 has a surface configured to reversibly mate with a
surface of a central stabilizer 350, such as an attachment region 560 of
a base of a central stabilizer 350. The stored material module cap 340 is
configured to reversibly attach to a central stabilizer 350. Stored
material modules 320 configured to be placed in apertures 220 in an edge
region of a storage structure 200 (see FIG. 2 for example) may include
different embodiments of a stored material module cap 340 as suitable for
their configuration. Stored material modules 320 configured to be placed
in apertures 220 in an edge region of a storage structure 200 (see FIG. 2
for example) may also include a stored material module cap 340 as
illustrated in FIG. 13 to provide interchangeability and flexibility of
configurations of the stored material modules 320 within a storage
structure 200. The connection region 370 illustrated in FIG. 13 includes
a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a central
stabilizer 350, including a base of the connection region 1350 and a rim
of a connection region 1340. The base of the connection region 1350 and a
rim of a connection region 1340 as illustrated in FIG. 13 forms a flared
structure configured to slide along a corresponding surface of a central
stabilizer 350. The connection region 370 illustrated in FIG. 13 also
includes an indentation 1330. As depicted in FIG. 13, an indentation 1330
may be of a size and shape to include a circuitry connector 1310, such as
a universal serial bus (USB) connector. A circuitry connector 1310 may
also include, for example, a cable connector, a quick-disconnect, a keyed
connector, a plug and socket connector, or other types of electrical
connectors as suitable to a particular embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13,
an indentation 1330 may be of a size and shape to expose a shaft 1320
within the stored material module cap 340.

[0129] The lower region of the stored material module cap 340 is
configured to reversibly attach with the upper face of the topmost stored
material unit 330 in a stored material module 320. For example, the
stored material module cap 340 may include an aperture 1360 with a,
surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a tab structure
900 on a stored material unit 330. For example, a stored material module
cap 340 may include one or more apertures 1300 configured to hold a
fastener between the stored material module cap 340 and an adjacent
stored material unit 330. A stored material module cap 340 may also
include a surface region 1370 configured to provide minimal overlap with
a gap 910 in a stored material unit 330. A surface region 1370 configured
to provide minimal overlap with a gap 910 in a stored material unit 330
may be configured to maximize the space available for a user of the
system to access stored material in the stored material unit 330, for
example by using fingers to remove stored material. In some embodiments,
a user of the system may use a device, such as a rod, tongs, tweezers,
pincers, pliers or similar devices.

[0130]FIG. 14 depicts aspects, in an angled cross-section view, of a
stored material module cap 340 such as illustrated in FIG. 13. The stored
material module cap 340 includes a connection region 370 with a base
region 1350 and a rim region 1340. The stored material module cap 340
includes a lower region configured to reversibly attach to the upper face
of the topmost stored material unit 330 in a stored material module 320.
The lower region includes an aperture 1300 configured to hold a fastener
between the stored material module cap 340 and an adjacent stored
material unit 330. The lower region includes a surface region 1370
configured to provide minimal overlap with a gap 910 in a stored material
unit 330. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the stored material module cap 340
includes an aperture 1330. The aperture 1330 is of sufficient dimensions
to provide space for a circuitry connector 1310. The circuitry connector
1310 and the corresponding region of the stored material module cap 340
may include apertures configured for a fastener 1430 to attach the
circuitry connector 1310 to the stored material module cap 340. The
circuitry connector 1310 illustrated in FIG. 14 is a universal serial bus
(USB) type connector, but other types of circuitry connectors may be used
in various embodiments as required by the specific circuitry of an
embodiment. The circuitry connector 1310 includes an aperture 1400
positioned to reversibly mate with a corresponding circuitry connector on
a central stabilizer 350.

[0131] The stored material module cap 340 depicted in FIG. 14 also
includes interior structures configured to transmit force across the
stored material module cap 340 in response to the surface of a central
stabilizer 350 coming into contact with the surface of the stored
material module cap 340. As will be further shown in the subsequent
Figures, this transfer of force by mechanical parts results in one or
more stabilizer units (e.g. 570 A, 570 B, not illustrated in FIG. 14)
held in a fixed position relative to the stored material module cap 340.
As illustrated in FIG. 14, the stored material module cap 340 includes an
indentation 1330 of a size and shape to expose a shaft 1320 enclosed
within an internal aperture of the stored material module cap 340. The
shaft 1320 includes side regions of varying widths relative to the
diameter of the shaft. The shaft includes side regions of varying
diameters relative to the axis of the length of the shaft, or diameters
approximately parallel with the top surface of the connection region 370
as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The shaft 1320 has an equilibrium
position relative to the force along the axis of the shaft 1320 from the
pressure of an attached spring 1450. The shaft 1320 is configured to
transmit force along the axis of the shaft 1320 in response to pressure
from a surface of a central stabilizer 350 coming into contact with the
surface of the stored material module cap 340, including the end of the
shaft 1320. Contact of a central stabilizer 350 with the surface of the
stored material module cap 340 at the end of the shaft 1320 results in
the shaft 1320 to move within its associated aperture, resulting in a
side region with a different and larger diameter to be placed adjacent to
a rod 1410 attached to a rotating plate 1420. The different and larger
diameter region of the shaft 1320 causes motion of the rotating plate
1420. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the interior of the stored material
module cap 340 includes an aperture 1440 sufficient to allow for motion
of the rotating plate 1420. Further aspects of interior structures
configured to transmit force across the stored material module cap 340 in
response to the surface of a central stabilizer 350 coming into contact
with the surface of the stored material module cap 340 are illustrated in
the following Figures.

[0132]FIG. 15 illustrates, in a full cross-section view, further aspects
of a stored material module cap 340 such as depicted in FIG. 14. The
stored material module cap 340 includes a connection region 370 with a
base region 1350 and a rim region 1340. As shown in FIG. 15, the base
region 1350 and rim region 1340 form a flanged region for reversibly
mating with a corresponding surface of a central stabilizer 350. The
stored material module cap 340 includes a lower region configured to
reversibly attach with the upper face of the topmost stored material unit
330 in a stored material module 320. The lower region includes an
aperture 1300 configured to hold a fastener between the stored material
module cap 340 and an adjacent stored material unit 330. The stored
material module cap 340 includes an aperture 1330. The aperture 1330 is
of sufficient dimensions to provide space for a circuitry connector 1310.
The circuitry connector 1310 and the corresponding region of the stored
material module cap 340 may include apertures configured for a fastener
1430 to attach the circuitry connector 1310 to the stored material module
cap 340. The circuitry connector 1310 includes an aperture 1400
positioned to reversibly mate with a corresponding circuitry connector on
a central stabilizer 350.

[0133] The stored material module cap 340 includes interior structures
configured to transmit force across the stored material module cap 340 in
response to the surface of a central stabilizer 350 coming into contact
with the surface of the stored material module cap 340. The stored
material module cap 340 includes an internal aperture of a size and shape
to include a shaft 1320 enclosed within the stored material module cap
340. In the confirmation illustrated, the shaft 1320 end projects above
the lower edge of the aperture 1330. A central stabilizer 350 reversibly
attached to the stored material module cap 340 would apply pressure to
the shaft 1320 end, forcing the shaft downward relative to the view in
FIG. 15. A central stabilizer 350 reversibly attached to the stored
material module cap 340 would apply pressure to the shaft 1320 end,
pressing against a spring 1450 positioned at the base of the shaft 1320.
The shaft 1320 includes side regions of varying widths relative to the
diameter of the shaft 1320. For example, the shaft 1320 includes a region
with a relatively small width 1510. The shaft 1320 has an equilibrium
position relative to the force along the axis of the shaft 1320 from the
pressure of an attached spring 1450. At the equilibrium position, the
region of small width 1510 is adjacent to the end of an adjacent rod
1410. When the shaft 1320 is forced downward, or along its axis, due to
contact the end of the shaft 1320 with the surface of the central
stabilizer 350, the side region of the shaft 1320 adjacent to the rod
1410 is of a different and larger diameter than the region of small width
1510. The pressure on the rod 1410 causes motion of a rotating plate
1420. The interior of the stored material module cap 340 includes an
aperture 1440 sufficient to allow for motion of the rotating plate 1420.

[0134]FIG. 16 shows the interior structures of a stored material module
cap 340, such as illustrated in the preceding Figures, with attached
stabilizer units 570 A, 570 B. The interior structures of the stored
material module cap 340 are configured to transmit force across the
stored material module cap 340 in response to the surface of a central
stabilizer 350 coming into contact with the surface of the stored
material module cap 340. In the view shown in FIG. 16, a stored material
module cap 340 is illustrated in a top-down cross-section view, which is
substantially perpendicular to the view illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0135]FIG. 16 shows a stored material module cap 340 including apertures
1360 with edges configured to reversibly mate with the surfaces of
corresponding tabs 900 on an adjacent stored material unit 330. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the center region of attached
stabilizer unit 570 A includes circuitry 1110. The embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 16 corresponds with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, although
the view is rotated 180 degrees in FIG. 16 relative to FIG. 11. The
stored material module cap 340 region adjacent to attached stabilizer
unit 570 A may include a slot 1610 configured to provide space for
additional circuitry or wiring (not illustrated in FIG. 16) connected to
the circuitry 1110 in the center region of attached stabilizer unit 570
A. The center region of attached stabilizer unit 570 B includes a
retaining unit 1100. The retaining unit 1100 is configured to transmit
force to the end of a rod 1600 attached to the rotating plate 1420 in
opposition to the force transmitted via the movement of the rotating
plate 1420. In response to the motion of the shaft 1320 in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rotating plate 1420 (see
FIGS. 14 and 15), force is transmitted from the shaft 1320 to the
adjacent rod 1410 and, correspondingly, to the rotating plate 1420. This
transmission of force results in the motion of the rotating plate 1420,
as illustrated by the double arrows in FIG. 16. The movement of the
rotating plate 1420 is limited by an attached rotation pin 1620, which is
configured to restrict movement of the rotating plate 1420 along its
plane, as illustrated by the double arrows in FIG. 16. The movement of
the rotating plate 1420 is also restricted by the edges of the aperture
1440. In response to the motion of the rotating plate 1420, the end of
the rod 1600 is moved relative to the stabilizer unit 570 B and retaining
unit 1100. This results in the position of the stabilizer unit 570 B
relative to the stored material module cap 340, as further illustrated in
FIG. 17.

[0136] FIG. 17 depicts an embodiment of a stored material module cap 340
attached to a stored material unit 330 and an associated stabilizer unit
570 B. A gap 910 in the side of the stored material unit 330 is visible
in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17. The stored material module cap
340 includes a base region 1350 and a rim region 1340 configured to
reversibly mate with the surface of a central stabilizer unit 350 (not
depicted in FIG. 17). The stored material module cap 340 includes an
aperture 1330 and a circuitry connector 1310 within the aperture 1330.
Another aperture 1440 is located in the interior of the stored material
module cap 340. The interior aperture 1440 is of a size and shape to
accommodate the rotating plate 1420. The movement of the rotating plate
1420 is limited by an attached rotation pin 1620, which is configured to
permit motion of the rotating plate 1420 in a substantially horizontal
direction relative to FIG. 17. The movement of the rotating plate 1420 is
also restricted by the edges of its associated aperture 1440. The
rotating plate 1420 has an attached rod 1600.

[0137] In response to the motion of the rotating plate 1420, the rod tip
1710 moves through an aperture 1700 formed in the outer rod 1210 and the
inner rod 1230 of the stabilizer unit 570 B. Both the outer rod 1210 and
the inner rod 1230 include apertures of similar size and shape positioned
to form the aperture 1700 in the stabilizer unit 570 B when the rods
1210, 1230 are in a specific relative position. In the embodiments
illustrated, the rods 1210, 1230 form the aperture 1700 in the stabilizer
unit 570 B when the stabilizer unit 570 B is in its shortest position,
i.e. when the rods 1210, 1230 have maximum surface areas in contact. The
position of the rod tip 1710 within the aperture 1700 is limited by
pressure from the surface of the retaining unit 1100. In the
configuration illustrated in FIG. 17, the stabilizer unit 570 B is in a
restrained position relative to the stored material module cap 340. In
the position illustrated in FIG. 17, the position of the rod tip 1710
within the aperture 1700 prevents the relative movement of the outer rod
1210 and the inner rod 1230. The position of the rod tip 1710 within the
aperture 1700 prevents the telescoping extension of the stabilizer unit
570 B.

[0138] As can be envisioned from the combination of the above Figures as
well as associated text, the embodiment illustrated is operated as
follows. Physical pressure of a central stabilizer 350 depresses the end
of a shaft 1320 positioned within the stored material module cap 340. The
shaft 1320 includes regions of varying diameters, or widths, which
provide varying degrees of force against a rod 1410 attached to a
rotating plate 1420 within an internal aperture 1440 in the stored
material module cap 340. The rotating plate has a second rod 1600
attached, and the rod tip 1710 of the second rod 1600 is positioned to
reversibly fit within an aperture 1700 formed in both the outer rod 1210
and the inner rod 1230 of a stabilizer unit 570 B. A retaining unit 1100
located within the inner rod 1230 prevents the rod tip 1710 from
substantially entering the interior of the inner rod 1230. The position
of the rod tip 1710 within the aperture 1700 prevents the extension of
stabilizer unit 570 B by blocking the relative movement of the inner
surface of the outer rod 1210 and the outer surface of the inner rod
1230. As also can be envisioned from the Figures and associated text, the
removal of the central stabilizer 350 from an adjacent stored material
module cap 340 allows the spring 1450 operably attached to the shaft 1320
to extend the surface of the shaft 1320 above the surface of the stored
material module cap 340. This brings a region of the shaft 1320 with a
relatively small width 1510 into contact with the surface of a rod 1410
attached to a rotating plate 1420. The rotating plate 1420 then moves so
that the rod tip 1710 of a second attached rod 1600 is no longer within
the aperture 1700 in the stabilizer unit 570 B. In the absence of the rod
tip 1710 of a second attached rod 1600 being within the aperture 1700 in
the stabilizer unit 570 B, the outer rod 1210 and the inner rod 1230 of
the stabilizer unit 570 B may slide relative to each other, creating a
telescoping stabilizer unit 570 B. This mechanism results in the
stabilizer unit 570 B held in a fixed position relative to the stored
material module cap 340. Although other embodiments may be envisioned by
one of skill in the art, the function of the herein-described mechanism
operates to retain the position and relative length of a stabilizer unit
in relation to a stored material module cap when the apparatus is
configured to store material.

[0139] Also as illustrated in FIG. 17, one or more stabilizer units 570 A,
570 B may include internal retaining units 1720 which establish limits on
the relative position of the outer rod 1210 and the inner rod 1230 of a
stabilizer unit 570 A, 570 B. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the inner rod
1230 of a stabilizer unit 570 B includes a retaining unit 1720 attached
to the interior surface of the inner rod 1230. The retaining unit 1720
includes a projection 1750 configured to fit within a slit-like aperture
(not visible in FIG. 17) in both the outer rod 1210 and the inner rod
1230. The length of the slit-like aperture in both the outer rod 1210 and
the inner rod 1230 establishes the maximum and minimum distance that the
inner rod can move relative to the outer rod before the projection 1750
at the end of the slit-like aperture prevents further relative movement
of the rods 1210, 1230. Further aspects of internal retaining units 1720
are illustrated in the following Figures, particular FIGS. 21-25.

[0140]FIG. 18 illustrates aspects of a central stabilizer unit 350. A
central stabilizer unit 350 includes a base region 560, with a surface
configured to reversibly mate with a corresponding surface of a stored
material module cap 340 (not shown in FIG. 18). The base region 560
includes one or more flanges 1850 configured, to reversibly mate with the
corresponding surface of a stored material module cap 340 and hold the
central stabilizer unit 350 and the stored material module cap 340 in a
stable position relative to one another. As illustrated herein, the one
or more flanges 1850 are configured to reversibly mate with the rim 1340
and the base 1350 of the attachment region 370 in a stored material
module cap 340. The base region 560 includes an aperture 1830 configured
to accommodate the attachment region 370 in a stored material module cap
340. The base region 560 may include a circuitry connector 1840 of a type
to mate with the corresponding circuitry connector 1310 in an attachment
region 370 in a stored material module cap 340. For example, as
illustrated herein the circuitry connector 1840 is a USB connector,
however other types of connectors may be utilized depending on the
embodiment. The circuitry connector 1840 is attached to the base region
560 at a position within the aperture 1830 to reversibly mate with the
corresponding circuitry connector 1310 in an attachment region 370 in a
stored material module cap 340. The stable positioning of the central
stabilizer unit 350 and the stored material module cap 340 (not shown in
FIG. 18) mates the respective circuitry connectors 1310, 1840.

[0141] Also as illustrated in FIG. 18, the central stabilizer unit 350
includes an exterior wall 1810. The exterior wall 1810 may be fabricated
from a material with sufficient durability and strength for the
embodiment. The material used to fabricate the exterior wall 1810 should
also have low thermal conduction. For example, some types of rigid
plastics, or glass-impregnated plastics, are suitable materials for an
exterior wall 1810 of a central stabilizer unit 350. The outer surface
dimensions of a central stabilizer unit 350 are of a size and shape to
fit within a connector 115. A central stabilizer unit 350 such as
described herein should be of a size and shape to substantially fill the
interior space of a conduit 125 in a substantially thermally sealed
container 100 during use. The central stabilizer unit 350 includes an
interior region 1800 as defined by the inner surface of the exterior wall
1810 of the central stabilizer unit 350. The interior region 1800 may be
substantially filled with a low density, low thermal conduction material,
such as low density plastic foam. Although not illustrated in FIG. 18, in
some embodiments circuitry connectors and/or circuitry may be within the
interior region 1800. For example, there may be one or more wire
connections in the interior region 1800 connecting circuitry units across
the central stabilizer 350. For example, wires may be located in the
interior region 1800 connecting the circuitry connector 1840 to a display
unit (e.g. 520 of FIG. 5) on the exterior of the container 100, or on a
lid 500 (see FIGS. 5-8). The central stabilizer unit 350 may include an
interior stabilizer 1820. An interior stabilizer 1820 may be included as
necessary in some embodiments to further reinforce and stabilize the
structure of the central stabilizer unit 350. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 18, the interior stabilizer 1820 is a hollow tube
made of a material of suitable rigidity and low thermal conductivity, for
example a rigid plastic material. Although not shown in FIG. 18, the
interior stabilizer 1820 may also be attached to a lid 500 (see FIGS.
5-8).

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the central stabilizer unit 350 also
includes an aperture 550 in the exterior wall 1810. The aperture 550 may
include a fastener release handle 1860, configured to control a fastener
within the central stabilizer unit 350. The fastener may be configured to
stabilize the reversible attachment of the central stabilizer unit 350 to
a stored material module cap 340.

[0143]FIG. 19 illustrates an exterior view of a central stabilizer unit
350. The view presented in FIG. 19 is similar to the view presented in
FIG. 18, only at a different angle to present aspects of the features of
the central stabilizer unit 350. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the exterior
of a central stabilizer unit 350 is depicted in a horizontal view. The
central stabilizer unit 350 shown includes an exterior wall 1810. The
internal surface of the exterior wall 1810 substantially defines an
interior region 1800. An interior stabilizer 1820 is located within the
interior region 1800. As illustrated, the end of the interior stabilizer
1820 is positioned above the edge of the exterior wall 1810. This
positioning may be helpful, for example, to attach a lid 500 (see FIGS.
5-8) to the central stabilizer unit 350. FIG. 19 also illustrates an
aperture 550 in the exterior wall 1810, and a fastener release handle
1860 located within the aperture 550.

[0144] The lower end of the central stabilizer unit 350, or the end
configured to be inserted into a conduit of a substantially thermally
stable container 100, includes a base region 560. The base region 560 is
configured with surfaces of a size and shape to reversibly mate with
corresponding surfaces on a stored material module cap 340 (not shown in
FIG. 19). The base region 560 includes one or more flanges 1850
configured to reversibly mate with the corresponding surface of a stored
material module cap 340 and hold the central stabilizer unit 350 and the
stored material module cap 340 in a stable position relative to one
another. The base region 560 includes an aperture 1830 configured to
accommodate a connection region 370 of a stored material module cap 340.
The base region also includes a circuitry connector 1840.

[0145]FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-section view of a central stabilizer
unit 350 such as those depicted in FIGS. 18 and 19. The central
stabilizer unit 350 includes an exterior wall 1810 and an interior region
1800. An interior stabilizer 1820 is located within the interior region
1800. One end of the interior stabilizer 1820 is attached to the base
region 560 of the central stabilizer unit 350, and the other end projects
beyond the edge of the exterior wall 1810. The interior stabilizer 1920
may be hollow and include an interior region 2000 configured to
accommodate circuitry and circuitry connectors, such as wires. The base
region 560 may also include at least one aperture 2010 configured to
accommodate circuitry and circuitry connectors, such as wires. The lower
region of the base region 560 includes a flange 1850 with a surface
configured to reversibly mate with a corresponding surface of a stored
material unit cap 340 (not shown). An aperture 1830 in the lower portion
of the base region 560 is configured to accommodate a stored material
unit cap 340 (not shown). A circuitry connector 1840 is positioned to
reversibly mate with a corresponding circuitry connector (e.g. 1310, not
shown in FIG. 20) on a stored material unit cap 340.

[0146]FIG. 20 illustrates that a central stabilizer unit 350 may include
an aperture 550 in the exterior wall 1810. The aperture 550 allows for
user access to a fastener release handle 1860 located within the aperture
550. For example, a user may insert one or more fingers into the aperture
550 to operate the fastener release handle 1860. The fastener release
handle is connected to a fastener 2020. The fastener 2020 is configured
to reversibly provide tension on the surface of an adjacent stored
material unit cap 340 (not shown), such as on a surface of a connection
region 370 and/or the end of a shaft 1320. As illustrated in FIG. 20, a
fastener 2020 is adjacent to a fastener stabilizer 2040. The fastener
stabilizer 2040 is attached to the internal surface of the exterior wall
1810. A spring 2030 positioned between the adjacent surfaces of the
fastener 2020 and the fastener stabilizer 2040 provides force on the
fastener surface in a direction away from the adjacent surface of the
fastener stabilizer 2040. In the view shown in FIG. 20, the force
provided by the spring 2030 is in a substantially vertical, or downward,
position. The fastener 2020 is thereby moved in contact with the surface
of an adjacent stored material unit cap 340 (not shown). The fastener
2020 may be configured to depress a shaft 1320 and thereby to retain the
position and relative length of a stabilizer unit 570 in relation to a
stored material module cap 340 (not depicted in FIG. 20). The fastener
2020 may be configured to provide tension on the surface of an adjacent
stored material unit cap 340 and thereby stabilize the relative positions
of the central stabilizer unit 350 and the adjacent stored material unit
cap 340. A user of the apparatus may put pressure (i.e. from a finger) on
the fastener release handle 1860 to reverse the movement of the fastener
2020 relative to the adjacent stored material unit cap 340 surface,
releasing the associated tension and decoupling the fastener 2020 from
the adjacent stored material unit cap 340 surface. In some embodiments,
decoupling the fastener 2020 from the adjacent stored material unit cap
340 surface will also release the previously-stabilized relative
positions of the central stabilizer unit 350 and the adjacent stored
material unit cap 340 (see above Figures and text).

[0147]FIG. 21 illustrates aspects of a stored material module 320 in
association with a stored material module cap 340. The assembled
apparatus shown in FIG. 21 depicts the relative positioning and
association of the stored material module 320 and its base 420 in
relation to an attached stored material module cap 340. The stored
material module cap 340 includes an aperture 1330 on a surface distal to
the surface attached to the stored material module cap 340. The aperture
1330 includes a circuitry connector 1310. The assembly also includes a
stabilizer unit 570 A in association with both the stored material module
cap 340 and the stored material module 320.

[0148]FIG. 22 depicts an internal cross-section view of the apparatus of
FIG. 21. FIG. 22 illustrates aspects of a stored material module 320 in
association with a stored material module cap 340 and two stabilizer
units 570 A, 570 B. The stored material module 320 includes a base 420.
The stored material module 320 includes a plurality of stored material
units, 330 A-330 I, positioned in a vertical array. Although the
plurality of stored material units, 330 A-330 I, depicted in FIG. 22 are
of substantially similar heights relative to the vertical array of the
stored material module 320, some embodiments may include stored material
units of different heights but substantially similar widths or diameters.
The apparatus includes a stored material module cap 340 affixed to the
top of the stored material module 320 at the upper edge of stored
material unit 330 A. The stored material module cap 340 is attached to
the top of the upper edge of the side wall of stored material unit 330 A
at the top of the column of stored material units, 330 A-330 I. The
stored material module cap 340 includes a circuitry connector 1310. The
stored material module cap 340 includes a rotating plate 1420 and an
attached rod 1600. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the rod 1600 is in contact
with a retaining unit 1100 and is in a configuration to prevent the
relative movement of the outer rod and the inner rod of the stabilizer
unit 570 B. A retaining unit 1720 within the inner rod of the stabilizer
unit 570 B and its associated projection 1750 are fixed at a set position
within the inner rod. The stabilizer unit 570 A positioned at the
opposing side of the apparatus includes a retaining unit 2210 with a
projection (not visible) attached at a location within the inner rod of
the stabilizer unit 570 A. The projection (not visible) attached within
stabilizer unit 570 A provides a maximum and minimum limit for the
relative motion of the tubes within stabilizer unit 570 A, as depicted in
subsequent Figures.

[0149] Also located within the inner rod of stabilizer unit 570 A are a
series of sensors 2200 fixed to the interior surface of the inner rod. In
some embodiments, sensors may be attached to one or more stabilizer units
(e.g. 570 A and 570 B), including on an interior surface of a stabilizer
unit. In some embodiments, sensors may be attached to other regions of
the container. The sensors 2200 may be located as desired in a particular
embodiment. For example, the sensors 2200 depicted in FIG. 22 are
positioned to be at approximately the top, center and bottom regions of a
storage region 130 of a substantially thermally sealed container 100 when
the apparatus is in use within the container 100. In some embodiments,
the one or more sensors includes at least one temperature sensor. In some
embodiments, at least one sensor may include a temperature sensor, such
as, for example, chemical sensors, thermometers, bimetallic strips, or
thermocouples. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors includes at
least one sensor of a gaseous pressure within one or more of the at least
one storage region, sensor of a mass within one or more of the at least
one storage region, sensor of a stored volume within one or more of the
at least one storage region, sensor of a temperature within one or more
of the at least one storage region, or sensor of an identity of an item
within one or more of the at least one storage region.

[0150] A substantially thermally sealed container 100 and associated
apparatus may include a sensor network. One or more sensors attached to a
stored material module, a stored material module cap and/or a stabilizer
unit may function as part of the network. FIG. 22 depicts a circuitry
link 2220, such as a wire link, connecting the sensors 2200. The
circuitry link 2220 may also be connected to a circuitry connector 1310.
Data from the sensors 2200 may be transmitted via the circuitry link 2220
to the exterior of the container 100, for example to a display 520
attached to a lid 500. A sensor network operably attached to the at least
one substantially thermally sealed container may include one or more
sensors such as a physical sensor component such as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,453,749 to Petrovic et al., titled "Physical sensor
component," which is herein incorporated by reference. A sensor network
operably attached to the at least one substantially thermally sealed
container may include one or more sensors such as a pressure sensor such
as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,554 to Baba et al., titled "Pressure
sensor," which is herein incorporated by reference. A sensor network
operably attached to the at least one substantially thermally sealed
container may include one or more sensors such as a vertically integrated
sensor structure such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,071 to
Sooriakumar et al., titled "Vertically integrated sensor structure and
method," which is herein incorporated by reference. A sensor network
operably attached to the at least one substantially thermally sealed
container may include one or more sensors such as a system for
determining a quantity of liquid or fluid within a container, such as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,559 to Kuehl et al., titled "System and
method for measuring liquid mass quantity," U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,598 to
Upton, titled "Apparatus for and method of monitoring the mass quantity
and density of a fluid in a closed container, and a vehicular air bag
system incorporating such apparatus," and U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,869 to
Clarke et al., titled "High accuracy mass sensor for monitoring fluid
quantity in storage tanks," which are each herein incorporated by
reference. A sensor network operably attached to the at least one
substantially thermally sealed container may include one or more sensors
of radio frequency identification ("RFID") tags to identify material
within the at least one substantially thermally sealed storage region.
RFID tags are well known in the art, for example in U.S. Pat. No.
5,444,223 to Blama, titled "Radio frequency identification tag and
method," which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0151]FIG. 23 depicts an apparatus and view similar to that shown in FIG.
22. FIG. 23 illustrates aspects of a stored material module 320 in
association with a stored material module cap 340 and two stabilizer
units 570 A and 570 B when the apparatus is in a configuration to allow
the relative movement of the outer rod and the inner rod of the
stabilizer units 570 A and 570 B. The stored material module 320 includes
a base 420. The stored material module 320 includes a plurality of stored
material units, 330 A-330 I, positioned in a vertical array. In the
configuration illustrated in FIG. 23, the outer rod and the inner rod of
the stabilizer units 570 A and 570 B are in an "unlocked" configuration,
or allowed to slide relative to each other. This allows the individual
stored material units 330 A-330I of the stored material module 320 to be
moved vertically, or along the axis of the stabilizer units 570 A and 570
B. An individual using the apparatus may move one or more of the
individual stored material units 330 A-330I to access material stored
within the individual stored material units 330 A-330I. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 23, stored material units 330 A and 330 B have been
positioned at the top of the stabilizer units 570 A and 570 B with a
space between the lower face of stored material unit 330 B and the upper
face of the adjacent stored material unit 330 C. This space would allow a
user of the system to access material stored within stored material unit
330 C. The apparatus includes a stored material module cap 340 affixed to
the top of the stored material module 320 at the upper edge of stored
material unit 330 A. The stored material module cap 340 is attached to
the top of the upper edge of the side wall of stored material unit 330 A
at the top of the column of stored material units, 330 A-330 I. The
stored material module cap 340 includes a circuitry connector 1310. The
stored material module cap 340 includes a rotating plate 1420 and an
attached rod 1600. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the rod 1600 is not in
contact with a retaining unit 1100 and is in a configuration to permit
the relative movement of the outer rod and the inner rod of the
stabilizer unit 570 B. A retaining unit 1720 within the inner rod of the
stabilizer unit 570 B and its associated projection 1750 are fixed at a
set position within the inner rod. The stabilizer unit 570 A positioned
at the opposing side of the apparatus includes a retaining unit 2210 with
a projection (not visible) attached at a location within the inner rod of
the stabilizer unit 570 A. The projection (not visible) attached within
stabilizer unit 570 A provides a maximum and minimum limit for the
relative motion of the tubes within stabilizer unit 570 A, as depicted in
subsequent Figures. The sensors 2200 and the circuitry link 2220 located
within stabilizer unit 570 A are located at fixed positions relative to
the interior surface of the inner tube 1200 of stabilizer unit 570 A and
the retaining unit 2210.

[0152]FIG. 24 illustrates an exterior side view of an apparatus such as
those depicted in FIGS. 21-23. The apparatus includes a stored material
module cap 340, a stored material module 320 and a stabilizer unit 570 B.
In the configuration depicted in FIG. 24, the stored material module 320
is in a "closed" position, with minimal spaces between the stored
material units 330 A-330 I. The stored material module 320 also includes
a base 420. The apparatus includes a stabilizer unit 570 B positioned
along the side of the stored material module 320, with the axis of the
stabilizer unit 570 B substantially parallel with the axis of the stored
material module 320. The stabilizer unit 570 B includes an outer tube
1210 and an inner tube 1230, which are shaped and positioned to slide in
a telescoping fashion relative to each other. The outer tube 1210
includes a slit-like aperture 2400 positioned along the length of the
outer edge of the outer tube 1210. The inner tube 1230 includes a
projection 1750 of a size and shape to fit within the aperture 2400. The
projection 1750 is attached to a retaining unit 1720 (see, e.g. FIG. 17)
not depicted in FIG. 24. The retaining unit 1720 is attached at a fixed
position relative to the inner tube 1230. The configuration of aperture
2400 and projection 1750 creates a minimum and maximum distance for the
relative slide positioning of the outer tube 1210 relative to the inner
tube 1230.

[0153]FIG. 25 illustrates an exterior side view of an apparatus such as
those depicted in FIGS. 21-24. The apparatus includes a stored material
module cap 340, a stored material module 320 and a stabilizer unit 570 A.
In the configuration depicted in FIG. 25, the stored material module 320
is in a "closed" position, with minimal spaces between the stored
material units 330 A-330 I. The stored material module 320 also includes
a base 420. The apparatus includes a stabilizer unit 570 A positioned
along the side of the stored material module 320, with the axis of the
stabilizer unit 570 A substantially parallel with the axis of the stored
material module 320. The stabilizer unit 570 A includes an outer tube
1220 and an inner tube 1200, which are shaped and positioned to slide in
a telescoping fashion relative to each other. The outer tube 1220
includes a slit-like aperture 2500 positioned along the length of the
outer edge of the outer tube 1220. The inner tube 1200 includes a
projection 2510 of a size and shape to fit within the aperture 2500. The
projection 2510 is attached to a retaining unit 2210 (see, e.g. FIG. 22)
not depicted in FIG. 25. The retaining unit 2210 is attached at a fixed
position relative to the inner tube 1200. The configuration of aperture
2500 and projection 2510 creates a minimum and maximum distance for the
relative positioning of the outer tube 1220 relative to the inner tube
1200.

[0154]FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of an apparatus. FIG. 26 shows an
apparatus including a central stabilizer 350, a stored material module
320 and a stabilizer unit 2600. In this configuration, the apparatus is
in a "closed" or "locked" position, with minimal open space surrounding
the stored material within the stored material module. The stored
material module 320 includes a cap 340 attached to the central stabilizer
350. The stored material module 320 includes a base stored material unit
2620, the base stored material unit 2620 including at least one aperture
2630. The base stored material unit 2620 is attached to the base 420 of
the stored material module 320. The central stabilizer 350 includes a cap
2620 attached to the central stabilizer 350 at an opposing side of the
central stabilizer 350 from the cap 340 of the stored material module
320. The stabilizer unit 2600 is configured as an exterior frame with an
internal surface configured to mate with external surfaces of the stored
material units 330 within the stored material module 320. The stabilizer
unit is attached to the cap 340 of the stored material module 320. The
stabilizer unit 2600 includes an exterior frame of a size and shape to
substantially surround the stored material module 320, an inner surface
of the external frame substantially conforming to an outer surface of the
stored material module 320. The stabilizer unit 2600 includes a plurality
of apertures 2610 in the external frame, the apertures 2610 formed along
the axis of the stored material module 320, or substantially vertically
as shown in FIG. 26. The stabilizer unit 2600 includes one or more
protrusions from a surface of the exterior frame at a surface facing the
stored material module 320, the protrusions corresponding to one or more
edge surfaces of an aperture 2630 within a base stored material unit
2620. The protrusions form a surface of the exterior frame at a surface
facing the stored material module 320 fit within the aperture 2630,
limiting the relative movement of the stored material units 330 within
the stored material module 320 relative to the exterior frame. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26, the stored material units 330 within
the stored material module 320 may slide relative to the axis formed by
the external frame of the stabilizer unit 2600, or substantially
vertically as illustrated in the Figure. The relative movement of the
stored material module 320 to the external frame of the stabilizer unit
2600 is limited to the substantially vertical direction as defined by the
aperture 2630.

[0155] FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of an apparatus such as shown in FIG.
26. FIG. 27 shows an apparatus including a central stabilizer 350, a
stored material module 320 and a stabilizer unit 2600. In this
configuration, the apparatus is in a "closed" or "locked" position, with
minimal access to the stored material within the stored material module.
This position may be suitable for periods of storage. The stored material
module 320 includes a cap 340 attached to the central stabilizer 350. The
stored material module 320 includes a base stored material unit 2620, the
base stored material unit 2620 including at least one aperture 2630. The
central stabilizer 350 includes a cap 2620 attached to the central
stabilizer 350 at an opposing side of the central stabilizer 350 from the
cap 340 of the stored material module 320. The stabilizer unit 2600 is
configured as an exterior frame with an internal surface configured to
mate with external surfaces of the stored material units 330 within the
stored material module 320. The stabilizer unit is attached to the cap
340 of the stored material module 320. The stabilizer unit 2600 includes
an exterior frame of a size and shape to substantially surround the
stored material module 320, an inner surface of the external frame
substantially conforming to an outer surface of the stored material
module 320. The stabilizer unit 2600 includes a plurality of apertures
2610 in the external frame. The stabilizer unit 2600 includes one or more
protrusions from a surface of the exterior frame at a surface facing the
stored material module 320, the protrusions corresponding to one or more
edge surfaces of an aperture 2630 within a base stored material unit
2620. The protrusions form a surface of the exterior frame at a surface
facing the stored material module 320 fit within the aperture 2630,
limiting the relative movement of the stored material units 330 within
the stored material module 320 relative to the exterior frame. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, the stored material units 330
within the stored material module 320 may slide relative to the axis
formed by the external frame of the stabilizer unit 2600, or
substantially vertically as illustrated in the Figures. The relative
movement of the stored material module 320 to the external frame of the
stabilizer unit 2600 is limited, as defined by the position of the
aperture 2630.

[0156]FIG. 28 depicts an embodiment of an apparatus such as illustrated
in FIGS. 26 and 27. The view of FIG. 28 is similar to the view shown in
FIG. 26. In the configuration shown in FIG. 28, the apparatus is in an
"open" position to allow access to material stored in the stored material
module 320. FIG. 28 shows an apparatus including a central stabilizer
350, a stored material module 320 and a stabilizer unit 2600. The stored
material module 320 includes a cap 340 attached to the central stabilizer
350. The stored material module 320 includes a base stored material unit
2620, the base stored material unit 2620 including at least one aperture
2630. The base stored material unit 2620 is attached to the base 420 of
the stored material module 320. The central stabilizer 350 includes a cap
2620 attached to the central stabilizer 350 at an opposing side of the
central stabilizer 350 from the cap 340 of the stored material module
320. The stabilizer unit 2600 is configured as an exterior frame with an
internal surface configured to mate with external surfaces of the stored
material units 330 within the stored material module 320. The stabilizer
unit is attached to the cap 340 of the stored material module 320. The
stabilizer unit 2600 includes an exterior frame of a size and shape to
substantially surround the stored material module 320, an inner surface
of the external frame substantially conforming to an outer surface of the
stored material module 320. The stabilizer unit 2600 includes a plurality
of apertures 2610 in the external frame. The stabilizer unit 2600
includes one or more protrusions from a surface of the exterior frame at
a surface facing the stored material module 320, the protrusions
corresponding to one or more edge surfaces of an aperture 2630 within a
base stored material unit 2620. The protrusions form a surface of the
exterior frame at a surface facing the stored material module 320 fit
within the aperture 2630, limiting the relative movement of the stored
material units 330 within the stored material module 320 relative to the
exterior frame. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 28, the stored
material units 330 within the stored material module 320 have slid
relative to the axis formed by the external frame of the stabilizer unit
2600, or substantially vertically as illustrated in the Figure. The
relative movement of the stored material module 320 to the external frame
of the stabilizer unit 2600 is limited, as defined by the direction and
position of the aperture 2630. In FIG. 28, the relative movement of the
stored material module 320 is sufficient to form an access region 2800.
The access region 2800 would allow a user of the apparatus to access
material stored in the stored material units within the stored material
module 320. Although only the topmost stored material unit 330 is shown
adjacent to the access region 2800, each of the stored material units
within the stored material module 320 may slide relative to the external
frame of the stabilizer unit 2600 to form access regions 2800 adjacent to
each of the stored material units.

[0157]FIG. 29 depicts an embodiment of an apparatus such as illustrated
in FIGS. 26-28. The view of FIG. 29 is similar to the view shown in FIG.
27. In the configuration shown in FIG. 29, the apparatus is in an "open"
position to allow access to material stored in the stored material module
320. FIG. 29 shows an apparatus including a central stabilizer 350, a
stored material module 320 and a stabilizer unit 2600. The stored
material module 320 includes a cap 340 attached to the central stabilizer
350. The stored material module 320 includes a base stored material unit
2620, the base stored material unit 2620 including at least one aperture
2630. The base stored material unit 2620 is attached to a base 420 of the
stored material module 320. The central stabilizer 350 includes a cap
2620 attached to the central stabilizer 350 at an opposing side of the
central stabilizer 350 from the cap 340 of the stored material module
320. The stabilizer unit 2600 is configured as an exterior frame with an
internal surface configured to mate with external surfaces of the stored
material units 330 within the stored material module 320. The stabilizer
unit is attached to the cap 340 of the stored material module 320. The
stabilizer unit 2600 includes an exterior frame of a size and shape to
substantially surround the stored material module 320, an inner surface
of the external frame substantially conforming to an outer surface of the
stored material module 320. The stabilizer unit 2600 includes a plurality
of apertures 2610 in the external frame. The stabilizer unit 2600
includes one or more protrusions from a surface of the exterior frame at
a surface facing the stored material module 320, the protrusions
corresponding to one or more edge surfaces of at least one aperture 2630
within a base stored material unit 2620. The protrusions form a surface
of the exterior frame at a surface facing the stored material module 320
fit within the aperture 2630, limiting the relative movement of the
stored material units 330 within the stored material module 320 relative
to the exterior frame. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29, the
stored material units 330 within the stored material module 320 have slid
relative to the axis formed by the external frame of the stabilizer unit
2600, or substantially vertically as illustrated in the Figure. The
relative movement of the stored material module 320 to the external frame
of the stabilizer unit 2600 is limited as substantially defined by the
shape and position of the aperture 2630. In FIG. 29, the relative
movement of the stored material module 320 is sufficient to form an
access region 2800. The access region 2800 would allow a user of the
apparatus to access material stored in the stored material units within
the stored material module 320. Although only the topmost stored material
unit 330 is shown adjacent to the access region 2800, each of the stored
material units within the stored material module 320 may slide relative
to the external frame of the stabilizer unit 2600 to form access regions
2800 adjacent to each of the stored material units.

[0158]FIG. 30 illustrates a base stored material unit 2620 such as shown
within an apparatus in FIGS. 26-29. The base stored material unit 2620 is
attached to a stored material module base 420. Similar to the stored
material units depicted in other Figures (identified as 330), the base
stored material unit 2620 includes a gap region 910 configured to allow
visibility and access to stored material within the base stored material
unit 2620. The base stored material unit 2620 includes at least one
aperture 2630 configured to mate with a projection on a corresponding
interior surface of an exterior frame of a stabilizer unit 2600 (see
FIGS. 26-29). The lower edge of the aperture 2630 substantially defines
the relative positions of the stored material unit 320 relative to the
stabilizer unit 2600. The base stored material unit 2620 includes a side
wall 440. At last one flange 3000 projects from the top edge of the side
wall 440 of the base stored material unit 2620. The at least one flange
3000 projects in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the
surface of the side wall 440. The at least one flange 3000 projects in a
substantially perpendicular direction away from the exterior surface of
the side wall 440. The flange is configured to reversibly mate with the
edges of an aperture 2600 in an exterior frame of a stabilizer unit 2600.
The edge of the flange 3000 mating with the edge of an aperture 2600
creates the minimum and maximum size of an access region 2800 adjacent to
the stored material units within the stored material module 320. The
edges of an aperture 2600 connecting with a edge of the flange 3000
substantially defines the vertical height of the access region 2800
adjacent to the stored material units within the stored material module
320 (see FIGS. 26-29). The contact between the edge of the flange 3000
and the upper edge of the aperture 2600 substantially defines the minimum
displacement possible in a stored material module 320, or the height of
the stored material module 320 in a "closed" or "locked" position (see
FIGS. 26 and 27). Similarly, the contact between the edge of the flange
3000 and the upper edge of the aperture 2600 substantially defines the
maximum displacement possible in a stored material module 320, or the
height of the stored material module 320 in a "open" or "unlocked"
position (see FIGS. 28 and 29).

[0159]FIG. 31 illustrates a base stored material unit 2620 such as shown
in FIG. 30, and illustrated within an apparatus in FIGS. 26-29. The base
stored material unit 2620 is attached to a stored material module base
420: The base stored material unit 2620 includes a gap region 910
configured to allow visibility and access to stored material within the
base stored material unit 2620. The base stored material unit 2620
includes at least one aperture 2630 configured to mate with a projection
on a corresponding interior surface of an exterior frame of a stabilizer
unit 2600 (see FIGS. 26-29). The lower edge of the aperture 2630
substantially defines the relative potential motion of the stored
material unit 320 relative to the stabilizer unit 2600. The base stored
material unit 2620 includes a side wall 440. At last one flange 3000
projects from the top edge of the side wall 440 of the base stored
material unit 2620. The at least one flange 3000 projects in a
substantially perpendicular direction relative to the surface of the side
wall 440, or horizontally as depicted in FIG. 31. The flange is
configured to reversibly mate with the edges of an aperture 2600 in an
exterior frame of a stabilizer unit 2600. The edge of the flange 3000
mating with the edge of an aperture 2600 creates the boundaries of an
access region 2800 adjacent to the stored material units within the
stored material module 320. The edges of an aperture 2600 connecting with
an edge of the flange 3000 substantially defines the vertical height of
the access region 2800 adjacent to the stored material units within the
stored material module 320 (see FIGS. 26-29). The contact between the
edge of the flange 3000 and the upper edge of the aperture 2600
substantially defines the minimum displacement possible in a stored
material module 320, or the height of the stored material module 320 in a
"closed" or "locked" position (see FIGS. 26 and 27). Similarly, the
contact between the edge of the flange 3000 and the upper edge of the
aperture 2600 substantially defines the maximum displacement possible in
a stored material module 320, or the height of the stored material module
320 in a "open" or "unlocked" position (see FIGS. 28 and 29).

[0160] FIG. 32 depicts a transport stabilizer 3210 illustrated in
association with a substantially thermally sealed container 100 in a
vertical cross-section view. The transport stabilizer 3210 is intended
for use in a substantially thermally sealed container 100 including a
connector 115 that is a flexible connector. The transport stabilizer 3210
is configured to assume some of the force associated with the connector
115 flexing or moving, particularly in situations when the substantially
thermally sealed container 100 is subject to substantial motion. The
transport stabilizer 3210 may be of use, for example, during shipment or
transport of a substantially thermally sealed container 100. The
transport stabilizer 3210 is configured of a size and shape to reversibly
mate with the interior of a substantially thermally sealed container 100
including a connector 115 that is a flexible connector. The dimensions of
a transport stabilizer 3210 correspond to the dimensions of the interior
of a substantially thermally sealed container 100 including a connector
115 that is a flexible connector.

[0161] FIG. 32 depicts a substantially thermally sealed container 100
including a connector 115 that is a flexible connector. The substantially
thermally sealed container 100 includes an outer wall 105 and an inner
wall 110, with a gap 120 between the outer wall 105 and the inner wall
110. The interior surface of the inner wall 110 substantially defines the
boundary of a substantially thermally sealed storage region 130. The
interior of the substantially thermally sealed storage region 130
includes a storage structure 200 attached to the interior surface of the
inner wall 110. Although not clearly visible in the cross-section view
shown in FIG. 32, the storage structure includes a plurality of apertures
220, 210 (see FIG. 2). A center aperture 210 is positioned in the center
of the support structure 200, with the edges of the center aperture 210
approximately corresponding to the sides of the conduit 125 (see FIG. 2).
As illustrated in FIG. 32, one or more support structures 3200 maintain
the relative position of the substantially planar storage structure 200
relative to the interior surface of the inner wall 110.

[0162] FIG. 32 depicts a transportation stabilizer unit 3210 in
association with the substantially thermally sealed container 100. In the
configuration illustrated, the substantially thermally sealed container
100 and the transportation stabilizer unit 3210 are positioned so that
the transportation stabilizer unit 3210 assumes a substantial proportion
of the force exerted on the flexible connector 115 by the mass and motion
of the inner wall 110 and any contents of the substantially thermally
sealed storage region 130, including the mass of the storage structure
200. The transportation stabilizer unit 3210 includes a lid 3250 of a
size and shape configured to substantially cover an external opening in
the outer wall 105 of the substantially thermally sealed storage
container 100. The lid 3250 includes a surface configured to reversibly
mate with an external surface of the outer wall 105 of the substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 adjacent to an external opening in
the outer wall 105. The lid 3250 may be fabricated of a material with
sufficient strength to maintain the flexible connector in a compressed
position when the reversible fastening unit is attached to the
positioning shaft. For example, the lid 3250 may be fabricated from
stainless steel. The lid 3250 includes one or more apertures configured
to attach a fastener 3255 to the exterior surface of the container 100.
The lid includes a central aperture, the aperture configured in a
substantially perpendicular direction relative to the plane of the lid
3250. A reversible fastening unit 3225 is attached to the lid 3250 at a
position adjacent to the central aperture in the lid 3250. The reversible
fastening unit 3225 is positioned to fasten a positioning shaft 3220
within the central aperture in the lid. The reversible fastening unit
3225 is positioned to fasten a positioning shaft 3220 in a fixed position
relative to the lid 3250. The transportation stabilizer unit 3210
includes a wall 3280, the wall 3280 substantially defining a tubular
structure with a diameter in cross-section less than a minimal diameter
of the flexible connector 115 of the substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100. The end of the wall 3280 substantially defining
the tubular structure is operably attached to the lid 3250. As
illustrated in FIG. 32, the wall 3280 is attached to the lid 3250 at a
substantially right angle, or perpendicularly. The wall 3280 includes at
least one aperture 3270. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 32-39,
the wall 3280 includes two apertures on opposing faces of the wall 3280.
The two apertures illustrated are substantially equivalent in the
depicted embodiments. The aperture 3270 has an upper edge 3273 and a
lower edge 3275 relative to the view shown in FIG. 32. The upper edge
3273 of the aperture 3270 in the wall 3280 is positioned on the tubular
structure at a location less than a maximum length of the flexible
connector 115 from the end of the tubular structure operably attached to
the lid 3250. The transport stabilizer 3210 includes a positioning shaft
3220. The positioning shaft 3220 has a diameter in cross-section less
than a diameter in cross-section of the central aperture in the lid 3250.
The positioning shaft 3220 is of a length greater than the thickness of
the lid 3250 in combination with the length of the wall 3280 between the
surface of the lid 3250 and the upper edge 3273 of the aperture 3270 in
the wall 3280. The wall 3280 has an interior surface, the interior
surface substantially defining an interior region 3285 of the tubular
region. The transport stabilizer 3210 includes a pivot unit 3230, the
pivot unit 3230 operably attached to a terminal region of the positioning
shaft 3220 and positioned within the interior region 3285. The transport
stabilizer 3210 includes a support unit 3260. The support unit 3260 is
operably attached to the pivot unit 3230. The support unit 3260 is of a
size and shape to fit within the interior region 3285 when the pivot unit
3230 is rotated in one direction, and to protrude through the aperture
3270 in the wall 3280 when the pivot unit 3230 is rotated approximately
90 degrees in the other direction (substantially horizontally as depicted
in FIG. 32).

[0163] The transport stabilizer 3210 includes an end region 3290. The end
region is of a size and shape configured to reversibly mate with the
interior surface of an aperture 210 in a storage structure 200 within the
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100. The transport
stabilizer 3210 includes a base grip 3245 at the terminal end of the end
region 3290. As illustrated in FIG. 32, the base grip 3245 is configured
to reversibly mate with an interior surface of the inner wall 110 of the
container 100 when the transport stabilizer 3210 is in use. The transport
stabilizer 3210 includes a tensioning unit for the base grip 3245. The
tensioning unit is configured to maintain pressure on the base grip 3245
against an interior wall 110 of the substantially thermally sealed
storage container 100 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
surface of the lid 3250, or substantially downwards in the view of FIG.
32. The tensioning unit may include a tensioning shaft 3240 and a
tensioning spring 3295 configured to maintain force along the long axis
of the transport stabilizer 3210 to the end of the base grip 3245.

[0164] The parts of the transport stabilizer 3210 may be fabricated from a
variety of materials as suitable for the embodiment. Materials may be
selected for cost, density, strength, thermal conduction properties and
other attributes as suitable for the embodiment. In some embodiments, the
transport stabilizer 3210 is substantially fabricated from metal parts,
such as stainless steel, brass or aluminum parts. In some embodiments,
part of the transport stabilizer 3210 is fabricated from durable plastic
materials, including glass-reinforced plastics. In some embodiments, the
positioning shaft 3220 is fabricated from a plastic material of suitable
durability. In some embodiments, the base grip 3245 is fabricated from a
plastic material with suitable coefficient of friction. For example, the
base grip 3245 may be fabricated from a material with a coefficient of
friction greater than 0.5 with the surface of the interior wall at
temperatures between approximately 2 degrees and 8 degrees Centigrade.
For example, the base grip 3245 may be fabricated from a material with a
coefficient of friction greater than 0.7 with the surface of the interior
wall at temperatures between approximately 2 degrees and 8 degrees
Centigrade. For example, the base grip 3245 may be fabricated from a
material with a coefficient of friction greater than one with the surface
of the interior wall at temperatures between approximately 2 degrees and
8 degrees Centigrade. For example, the base grip 3245 may be fabricated
from a material with a coefficient of friction greater than 1.2 with the
surface of the interior wall at temperatures between approximately 2
degrees and 8 degrees Centigrade. For example, the base grip 3245 may be
fabricated from a material with a coefficient of friction greater than
1.5 with the surface of the interior wall at temperatures between
approximately 2 degrees and 8 degrees Centigrade.

[0165]FIG. 33 illustrates aspects of a transport stabilizer 3210 such as
shown in FIG. 32. In the view illustrated in FIG. 33, the transport
stabilizer 3210 is in a configuration as it would be implemented within a
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100, although the
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 is not illustrated
in FIG. 33. In the view illustrated in FIG. 33, the transport stabilizer
3210 is in a configuration as shown in FIG. 32, without the substantially
thermally sealed storage container 100 illustrated in FIG. 32. As
illustrated in FIG. 32, a transport stabilizer 3210 is of a size and
shape to fit a substantially thermally sealed storage container 100 of
specific dimensions.

[0166] The transportation stabilizer unit 3210 includes a lid 3250 of a
size and shape configured to substantially cover an external opening in
the outer wall 105 of a substantially thermally sealed storage container
100. The lid 3250 includes one or more apertures 3300 configured to
attach a fastener to the exterior surface of the container 100. The lid
includes a central aperture, the aperture configured in a substantially
perpendicular direction relative to the plane of the lid 3250. A
reversible fastening unit 3225 is attached to the lid 3250 at a position
adjacent to the central aperture in the lid 3250. The reversible
fastening unit 3225 is positioned to fasten a positioning shaft 3220
within the central aperture in the lid. The transportation stabilizer
unit 3210 includes a wall 3280, the wall 3280 substantially defining a
tubular structure with a diameter in cross-section less than a minimal
diameter of the flexible connector 115 of the substantially thermally
sealed storage container 100. The wall 3280 includes a region 3310
configured to fit within the minimum interior of a conduit 125 in a
flexible connector 115. The region 3310 is shorter than the minimum
length of the flexible connector 115. The end of the region 3310 in the
wall 3280 is fixed to the lid 3250. As illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33,
the wall 3280 is attached to the lid 3250 at a substantially right angle,
or perpendicularly. The wall 3280 includes at least one aperture 3270. In
the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 32-39, the wall 3280 includes two
apertures on opposing faces of the wall 3280. The two apertures
illustrated are substantially equivalent in the depicted embodiments. The
aperture 3270 has an upper edge 3273 and a lower edge 3275 relative to
the view shown in FIG. 32. The upper edge 3273 of the aperture 3270 in
the wall 3280 is positioned on the tubular structure at a location less
than a maximum length of the flexible connector 115 from the end of the
tubular structure operably attached to the lid 3250. The upper edge 3273
of the aperture 3270 defines the length of the region 3310 configured to
fit within the minimum interior of a conduit 125 in a flexible connector
115. The length of the region 3310 configured to fit within the minimum
interior of a conduit 125 in a flexible connector 115 is defined by the
edge of the lid 3250 on one end and the upper edge 3273 of the aperture
3270 at the opposing end. The transport stabilizer 3210 includes a
positioning shaft 3220. The wall 3280 has an interior surface, the
interior surface substantially defining an interior region 3285 of the
tubular region. The transport stabilizer 3210 includes a pivot unit 3230,
the pivot unit 3230 operably attached to a terminal region of the
positioning shaft 3220 and positioned within the interior region 3285.
The transport stabilizer 3210 includes a support unit 3260. The support
unit 3260 is operably attached to the pivot unit 3230. The support unit
3260 is of a size and shape to fit within the interior region 3285 when
the pivot unit 3230 is rotated in one direction, and to protrude through
the aperture 3270 in the wall 3280 when the pivot unit 3230 is rotated
approximately 90 degrees in the other direction (substantially
horizontally as depicted in FIGS. 32 and 33). In the view illustrated in
FIG. 33, the support unit 3260 is rotated by the pivot unit 3230 in a
position substantially parallel to the plane of the lid 3250. In the view
shown in FIG. 33, the support unit 3260 is rotated by the pivot unit 3230
in a position substantially parallel to the upper edge 3273 of the
aperture 3270, and fixed in a position against the upper edge 3273 of the
aperture 3270 by the positioning shaft 3220 fixed to the fastener 3225 at
a suitable location.

[0167] The transport stabilizer 3210 includes an end region 3290. The end
region is of a size and shape configured to reversibly mate with the
interior surface of an aperture 210 in a storage structure 200 within the
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100. The transport
stabilizer 3210 includes a base grip 3245 at the terminal end of the end
region 3290. The transport stabilizer 3210 includes a tensioning unit for
the base grip 3245. The tensioning unit may include a tensioning shaft
3240 and a tensioning spring 3295 configured to maintain force along the
long axis of the transport stabilizer 3210 to the end of the base grip
3245.

[0168]FIG. 34 depicts an external view of a transport stabilizer 3210
such as illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33 in cross-section. FIG. 34
illustrates that the transport stabilizer 3210 includes a positioning
shaft 3220 and an adjacent fastener 3225 attached to the lid 3250. The
lid 3250 illustrated includes a plurality of apertures 3300 configured to
allow fasteners to attach the lid 3250 to an exterior wall 105 in a
substantially thermally sealed storage container 100. The transportation
stabilizer unit 3210 includes a wall 3280, the wall 3280 substantially
defining a tubular structure. The interior surface of the wall 3280
substantially defines an interior region 3285 in the tubular structure.
The wall 3280 includes a region 3310 configured to fit within the minimum
interior of a conduit 125 in a flexible connector 115. The transportation
stabilizer unit 3210 illustrated includes two apertures 3270 in the wall
3280. The ends of a single support unit 3260 are visible projecting away
from the outer edge of the wall 3280 through the two apertures 3270. The
center portion of the support unit 3260 (not shown) is within the
interior region 3285 in the tubular structure. The aperture 3270 shown
includes an upper edge 3273 and a lower edge 3275 relative to the view
shown in FIG. 34. The upper surface of the support unit 3260 is in a
fixed position against the upper edge 3273. The transport stabilizer 3210
includes an end region 3290. The transport stabilizer 3210 includes a
base grip 3245 at the terminal end of the end region 3290.

[0169]FIG. 35 illustrates aspects of a transportation stabilizer unit
3210. The transportation stabilizer unit 3210 shown in FIG. 35 is similar
to that depicted in FIG. 34. In FIG. 35 the transportation stabilizer
unit 3210 is shown in a substantially horizontal exterior view. The
transport stabilizer 3210 includes a positioning shaft 3220 and an
adjacent fastener 3225 attached to the lid 3250. The transportation
stabilizer unit 3210 includes a wall 3280, the wall 3280 substantially
defining a tubular, structure. The wall 3280 includes a region 3310
configured to fit within the minimum interior of a conduit 125 in a
flexible connector 115. The transportation stabilizer unit 3210
illustrated includes two apertures 3270 in the wall 3280. The ends of a
single support unit 3260 are visible projecting away from the outer edge
of the wall 3280 through the two apertures 3270. The apertures 3270
depicted include upper edges 3273 and lower edges 3275 relative to the
view shown in FIG. 35. The upper surface of the support unit 3260 is in a
fixed position against the upper edges 3273. The transport stabilizer
3210 includes an end region 3290. The transport stabilizer 3210 includes
a base grip 3245 at the terminal end of the end region 3290.

[0170]FIG. 36 illustrates aspects of a transportation stabilizer unit
3210. The transportation stabilizer unit 3210 shown in FIG. 36 is similar
to that depicted in FIG. 35. In FIG. 36, the transportation stabilizer
unit 3210 is shown in a substantially horizontal exterior view, but
facing the side of the view illustrated in FIG. 35. The transport
stabilizer 3210 includes a positioning shaft 3220 and an adjacent
fastener 3225 attached to the lid 3250. The transportation stabilizer
unit 3210 includes a wall 3280, the wall 3280 substantially defining a
tubular structure. The wall 3280 includes a region 3310 configured to fit
within the minimum interior of a conduit 125 in a flexible connector 115.
The view of the transportation stabilizer unit 3210 shown in FIG. 36
includes an aperture 3270 in the wall 3280. The end of a single support
unit 3260 is visible projecting away from the outer edge of the wall 3280
through the aperture 3270. The center portion of the support unit 3260 is
within the interior region 3285 in the tubular structure. The aperture
3270 depicted includes an upper edge 3273 and a lower edge 3275 relative
to the view shown in FIG. 36. The upper surface of the support unit 3260
is in a fixed position against the upper edge 3273. The transport
stabilizer 3210 includes an end region 3290. The transport stabilizer
3210 includes a base grip 3245 at the terminal end of the end region
3290.

[0171] FIG. 37 depicts a transportation stabilizer unit 3210 in a vertical
cross-section view. As shown, a transportation stabilizer unit 3210
includes a lid 3250. The lid 3250 includes one or more apertures 3300
configured to accommodate fasteners to attach the lid 3250 to the
exterior of a substantially thermally sealed container 100 (not shown in
FIG. 37). The lid 3250 has an attached fastener 3225 positioned adjacent
to a central aperture in the lid 3250. The fastener 3225 is configured to
reversibly attach to a positioning shaft 3220. The positioning shaft 3220
has the potential to move through the central aperture in the lid 3250
when not fixed in position by the fastener 3225. The positioning shaft
3220 is connected to a pivot 3230 within the interior 3285 of the
transportation stabilizer unit 3210. The pivot 3230 is attached to a
support unit 3260. The transportation stabilizer unit 3210 includes a
wall 3280, the wall 3280 substantially defining a tubular structure. The
wall 3280 includes a region 3310 configured to fit within the minimum
interior of a conduit 125 in a flexible connector 115 (not shown in FIG.
37). The transportation stabilizer unit 3210 depicted in FIG. 37 includes
two apertures 3270 in the wall 3280 on opposing faces of the tubular
structure. The apertures 3270 each include an upper edge 3273 and a lower
edge 3275 relative to the position illustrated (i.e. a substantially
vertical transport stabilizer unit 3210). The transport stabilizer 3210
includes an end region 3290. The transport stabilizer 3210 includes a
base grip 3245 at the terminal end of the end region 3290.

[0172] In the view illustrated in FIG. 37, the support unit 3260 is
rotated by the pivot 3230 so that the support unit 3260 is positioned
substantially parallel to the surface of the wall 3280. As illustrated,
the pivot unit 3230 is configured to allow movement of the support unit
3260 approximately 90 degrees along a single axis. The support unit 3260
is in a substantially vertical position corresponding to the vertical
position of the main axis of the transport stabilizer 3210. The support
unit 3260 is of a size and shape to fit substantially within one of the
apertures 3270. The support unit 3260 and the pivot unit 3230 are
configured to position the support unit 3260 substantially within the
outer diameter of the tubular structure defined by the wall 3280. In this
position, the transport stabilizer unit 3210 is configured to fit within
a conduit 125 of a substantially thermally sealed container 100.

[0173] After the transport stabilizer unit 3210 is positioned with the
surface of the lid 3250 in contact with the outer wall 105 of a
substantially thermally sealed container 100, the positioning shaft 3220
may be moved by an user of the apparatus to rotate the pivot unit 3230
and thus to move the support unit 3260 in a substantially horizontal
position relative to the transport stabilizer 3210 (e.g. as shown in FIG.
33). The transport stabilizer 3210 may then be positioned to provide
support to a flexible connector 115 by a user pulling the positioning
shaft 3220 through the central aperture in the lid 3250 to a degree
required to for the surface of the support unit 3260 to come into contact
with the edge of the flexible connector 115 at the inner wall 110 of the
container 100 (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 32). The positioning shaft
3220 may then be fixed in place with the fastener 3225 attached to the
lid 3250.

[0174]FIG. 38 illustrates a transport stabilizer unit 3210 with a support
unit 3260 rotated to fit within an aperture 3270 in the wall 3280. This
view is similar to an external view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
37. The transport stabilizer unit 3210 includes a lid 3250. The lid 3250
includes a plurality of apertures 3300 configured to reversibly attach
fasteners to the exterior surface of a substantially thermally sealed
container 100. The lid 3250 includes a central aperture and an adjacent
fastener 3225 attached to the lid 3250. The central aperture provides a
space for a positioning rod 3220 to traverse the lid 3250. The
positioning rod 3220 is connected to a pivot unit 3230 (not shown) in the
interior 3285 of the wall 3280 of the transport stabilizer unit 3210. The
support unit 3260 is shown in a substantially vertical position
corresponding to the vertical position of the main axis of the transport
stabilizer 3210. The support unit 3260 is of a size and shape to fit
substantially within the aperture 3270. The aperture 3270 includes an
upper edge 3273 and a lower edge 3275. In the position shown in FIG. 38,
the transport stabilizer unit 3210 is configured to fit within a conduit
125 of a substantially thermally sealed container 100. The edge of the
support unit 3260 is braced against the upper edge 3273 of the aperture
3270 in the illustration. This position may minimize potential rotation
of the support unit 3260 when the transport stabilizer unit 3210 is
lowered into a substantially thermally sealed container 100. The
transport stabilizer 3210 includes an end region 3290. The transport
stabilizer 3210 includes a base grip 3245 at the terminal end of the end
region 3290.

[0175]FIG. 39 illustrates a transport stabilizer unit 3210 like that
depicted in FIG. 37, in an external view. The view shown in FIG. 39 is of
a transport stabilizer unit 3210 at a substantially perpendicular view
from that depicted in FIG. 37. The transport stabilizer unit 3210
includes a lid 3250 attached at a substantially perpendicular angle to
the wall 3280 of the transport stabilizer unit 3210. The wall 3280
defines a substantially tubular structure of the transport stabilizer
unit 3210. The lid 3250 includes a central aperture and a fastener 3225
attached to the exterior surface of the lid adjacent to the central
aperture. The central aperture is of a size and shape to allow a
positioning shaft 3220 to traverse through the lid 3250. The transport
stabilizer unit 3210 includes a region 3310 configured to fit within the
minimum interior of a conduit 125 in a flexible connector 115 (not
depicted in FIG. 39). The wall 3280 includes two apertures 3270 of
substantially similar size and shape on opposing faces of the wall 3280.
In the view shown in FIG. 39, the apertures 3270 are aligned to appear
substantially overlapping. The apertures 3270 each have an upper edge
3273 and a lower edge 3275. As shown in FIG. 39, the lower end of the
positioning rod 3220 is attached to a pivot unit 3230. The pivot unit
3230 is attached to a surface of a support unit 3260. The view of FIG. 39
shows the pivot unit 3230 and the support unit 3260 through the
overlapping apertures 3270 and the interior region 3285. The face of the
support unit 3260 is the opposite face to that shown in FIG. 38.

[0176] In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be attached to the
transport stabilizer unit 3210. A sensor may be positioned, for example,
within the interior 3285 of the transport stabilizer unit 3210. A
transport stabilizer unit 3210 may include an indicator, such as a visual
indicator like an LED light emitter. An electronic system may be operably
connected to a transport stabilizer unit 3210. An electronic system may
be operably connected to a sensor and an indicator attached to the
transport stabilizer unit 3210. For example, a temperature sensor may be
attached to the interior surface of transport stabilizer unit 3210. A LED
light emitting indicator may be attached to the outer surface of the lid
3250. An electronic system, including a controller and wire connections,
may be attached to the temperature sensor and the indicator. The
electronic system may be configured, for example, to light the indicator
when the temperature sensor senses a temperature within the transport
stabilizer unit 3210 which is out of a predetermined temperature range.
For example, electronic system may be configured to light the indicator
when the temperature sensor senses a temperature outside of the range of
approximately 0 degrees Centigrade and 10 degrees Centigrade. For
example, electronic system may be configured to light the indicator when
the temperature sensor senses a temperature outside of the range of
approximately 2 degrees Centigrade and 8 degrees Centigrade. For example,
electronic system may be configured to light the indicator when the
temperature sensor senses a temperature outside of the range of
approximately 5 degrees Centigrade and 15 degrees Centigrade. For
example, electronic system may be configured to light the indicator when
the temperature sensor senses a temperature outside of the range of
approximately 20 degrees Centigrade and 30 degrees Centigrade. For
example, electronic system may be configured to light the indicator when
the temperature sensor senses a temperature below approximately 0 degrees
Centigrade. For example, electronic system may be configured to light the
indicator when the temperature sensor senses a temperature above
approximately 30 degrees Centigrade.

[0177] FIG. 40A depicts an external view of a substantially thermally
sealed container 100 with an attached transport stabilizer unit 3210.
FIG. 40A depicts an angled top down view of a substantially thermally
sealed container 100 with an attached transport stabilizer unit 3210. The
transport stabilizer unit 3210 includes a lid 3250. A plurality of
fasteners 3255 secure the lid 3250 to the exterior wall 105 of the
container 100. The lid 3250 includes a central aperture which includes a
positioning shaft 3220. The positioning shaft 3220 is fixed in a stable
position relative to the lid 3250 by a fastener 3225 attached to the
surface of the lid 3250.

[0178] FIG. 40B depicts an external view of a substantially thermally
sealed container 100 with an attached transport stabilizer unit 3210.
FIG. 40B depicts vertical side view of a substantially thermally sealed
container 100 with an attached transport stabilizer unit 3210. The
transport stabilizer unit 3210 includes a lid 3250. Fasteners 3255 secure
the lid 3250 to the exterior wall 105 of the container 100. The lid 3250
includes a central aperture which includes a positioning shaft 3220. The
positioning shaft 3220 is fixed in a stable position relative to the lid
3250 by a fastener 3225 attached to the surface of the lid 3250.

[0179] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application
publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent
applications and non-patent publications referred to in this
specification and/or listed in any Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistent
herewith.

[0180] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described
components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion
accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity
and that various configuration modifications are contemplated.
Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and the
accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more
general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to
be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific
components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken
limiting.

[0181] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the various aspects described herein which can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,
firmware, and/or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed
of various types of "electrical circuitry." Consequently, as used herein
"electrical circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, electrical
circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical
circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry
having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical
circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a
computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a
computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or
devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer
program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices
described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g.,
forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), and/or
electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem,
communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.). Those having
skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein
may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination
thereof.

[0182] Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of
the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into an
image processing system. Those having skill in the art will recognize
that a typical image processing system generally includes one or more of
a system unit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile or
non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal
processors, computational entities such as operating systems, drivers,
applications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touch
pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), control systems including
feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing lens
position and/or velocity; control motors for moving/distorting lenses to
give desired focuses). An image processing system may be implemented
utilizing suitable commercially available components, such as those
typically found in digital still systems and/or digital motion systems.

[0183] Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of
the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a
data processing system. Those having skill in the art will recognize that
a data processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit
housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile or non-volatile
memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors,
computational entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user
interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction devices
(e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or control
systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for
sensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/or
adjusting components and/or quantities). A data processing system may be
implemented utilizing suitable commercially available components, such as
those typically found in data computing/communication and/or network
computing/communication systems.

[0184] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular
terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural
to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate
to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0185] While particular aspects of the present subject matter described
herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter
described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended
claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and
modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject
matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art
that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended
claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted
as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as
"includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim
recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the
claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.
For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims
may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or
more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular
claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing
only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the
introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite
articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be
interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true
for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In
addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is
explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited
number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other
modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more
recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such
a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B,
and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such
a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B,
or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase
presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,
claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both
terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B"
will be typically understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B"
or "A and B."

[0186] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different
components contained within, or connected with, different other
components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are
merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,
any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is
effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved.
Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular
functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the
desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can
also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably coupled," to
each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components
capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific
examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically
mateable and/or physically interacting components.

[0187] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein,
other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for
purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the
true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.